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Improving health through human resource management: mapping the territory

A summary of the CIPD Research Report

The CIPD, the Department of Health and HPMA (Healthcare People Management Association) are jointly sponsoring this research looking at HR in the NHS. This report is the culmination of the first phase of a two and half year research project designed to explore how human resource management (HRM) can contribute to improved performance in the NHS.

This report was written by a multi-disciplinary research team from Manchester Business School. Its members are Dr Paula Hyde, Dr Ruth Boaden, Penny Cortvriend, Dr Claire Harris, Professor Mick Marchington, Dr Sarah Pass, Professor Paul Sparrow and Professor Bonnie Sibbald.

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The research involved two analyses of existing academic literature – one a review of the theories of HRM, the other a review of the empirical literature on the link between HRM and performance. This report looks at the current strategy and performance management system of the NHS. In addition, a series of consultation meetings was held, primarily with NHS staff, to explore views on the link between HRM and performance.

The research report is summarised in the change agenda Improving health through human resource management: a starting point for change, also published in January 2006.

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The full report is available to purchase online – please visit our bookstore for more details and to find out how to order.

HYDE, P., BOADEN, R., CORTVRIEND, P. (2006) Improving health through human resource management: mapping the territory. Research report. London: CIPD

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The next phase of the project involves in-depth case study research in six NHS trusts. A further report based on this research will be available in September 2007.