Alternative Models of HRM Practice
There’s no single best way to manage people—but there are powerful models that help you think more clearly. This section unpacks the major frameworks of HRM, compares their logic, and shows how to apply them in real-world contexts.
Human Resource Management (HRM) isn’t just a set of practices—it’s a way of thinking about people, work, and performance. Over the past 50 years, scholars and practitioners have developed multiple HRM models to guide decision-making, structure HR systems, and shape organizational culture.
This section explores some of the most influential HRM frameworks, from foundational models like Fombrun and Harvard, to strategic and diagnostic approaches like Guest and Storey—and beyond.
We don’t stop at explanation. Each page offers:
- Clear theoretical grounding
- Real-world examples and critiques
- Contextual guidance for choosing or combining models
Whether you’re designing a new HR strategy, auditing your current system, or learning the building blocks of the field, these models help make complexity manageable.
,, and. You’ll also find cross-references to organizational culture, DEI, and future-of-work trends.What You’ll Learn
- How each model views the role of HRM in organizations
- The core logic, strengths, and limitations of major frameworks
- How to apply or adapt models for different contexts
- Why understanding HRM theory makes you a better practitioner
Who This Is For
This section is designed for:
- HR professionals at all levels who want to deepen their strategic impact
- Students and researchers seeking structured insight into HRM models
- Founders and business leaders choosing an HR philosophy for their teams
Key Themes Covered
- Strategic alignment and performance (Fombrun, Guest)
- Stakeholder balance and employee voice (Harvard)
- Typologies and HR identity (Storey)
- Critical and contextual HRM perspectives
- Future-ready HRM design (AI, DEI, sustainability)
How to Use This Section
Start with the historical overview of HRM model evolution to see the bigger picture. Then dive into each model’s page for:
- Theory
- Application
- Critique
- Examples
Finish with the pages on comparison, selection, and future trends to synthesize and apply what you’ve learned.