Employee involvement (EI) as part of a set of high performance work system (HPWS) has successfully transformed a large number of organizations and become standard practice many new organizations today. George S. Benson (University of Texas at Arlington), Michael Kimmel (University of Texas at Arlington), and Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) review the recent research on EI and HPWS and suggest ways in which change research and theory can inform our understanding of why EI practices have fallen short of their potential.
Research and Insights Archive
Research and Insights from the Center for Effective Organizations
Available Content
Stubborn Traditionalism in HRM: Causes and Consequences
This article by John W. Boudreau (CEO) and Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) examines two questions using cross-sectional analysis of our most recent survey of HR leaders. First we find that slow progress matters, because progress on HR functional features is related to important outcomes, including HR’s role in strategy, effectiveness as a function, and organizational performance. Second, we explore one explanation for HR’s stubborn traditionalism, in the organization’s management approach.
Sustainability: What Should Boards Do?
Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) and Susan A. Mohrman (CEO) explain that today, sustainability is not just a matter of good citizenship; it has become critical to the survival of corporations. Corporations need to operate in a sustainable manner in order to assure that they have strong communities and ecologies in which to operate.
Effectiveness of Management Approaches
Ed Lawler and John Boudreau discuss the effectiveness of five different approaches to management: bureaucratic, low-cost operator, high involvement, global competitor and sustainable.
HR and Sustainability, 11/27/2012
Ed Lawler, Sue Mohrman, and Chris Worley took a first look at data from a new study on sustainable organizations. A just-completed CEO study focused on HR’s role in corporate sustainability activities. It looked at what HR does and what it would like to do in regards to sustainability.
The Strategic Role of HR in the U.S. and China
John W. Boudreau (CEO) and Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) explain that it appears that one reason for the differences in the strategic role of HR between the two countries is the extent to which organizations adopt management approaches that are positively associated with the opportunity for HR to engage in strategic activities.
Executive Pay: Audit Needed?
Bruce R. Ellig (Author) and Ed Lawler (CEO) discuss that like many before it, this year has seen a high level of outrage over the executive compensation payouts of some large corporations.
Evolution of a Decision Science for HR Management
In this webinar, John Boudreau described emerging findings from the data in his new book with Edward Lawler, Effective Human Resource Management: A Global Analysis.
Effective Human Resource Management: A Global Analysis
Ed Lawler and John Boudreau measure how HR management is changing, paying particular attention to what creates a successful HR function–one that contributes to a strategic partnership and overall organizational effectiveness.
Performance Management and Reward Systems
Edward E. Lawler III (CEO), George S. Benson (University of Texas), and Michael McDermott (McDermott Sitzman & Associates, PC) Results from our survey provide clear guidance with respect to linking performance appraisals results to changes in pay. They strongly support the view that performance appraisals systems are more effective when there is a connection between the results of a performance appraisal and the compensation of individuals.
What Makes Performance Appraisals Effective?
Edward E. Lawler III (CEO), George S. Benson (University of Texas), and Michael McDermott (McDermott Sitzman & Associates, PC) Performance appraisals are often criticized and poorly done. However, they are not going away and should not go away. They are needed in order to effectively manage an organization’s talent. Our research suggests that performance management systems can be effective if they are designed and executed correctly.
Sustained High Performance and the Role of Agility
Tom Williams (Booz & Company), Chris Worley (CEO), Niko Canner (Booz & Company) and Edward E. Lawler III (CEO) explain that “Competitive environments change continuously, and the pace of change continues to increase. Yet some companies in every industry show superior performance relative to their peers over very long periods of time. Does your company have the agility required to keep up?”