The Nuts-and-Bolts Problem: Delivering Evidence-Based Operational Advice to Line Managers

Abstract

The Human Resource (HR) research literature's dominant narrative has historically focused on the strategic activities of HR professionals. HR researchers view HR professionals as their primary end users and have prioritized the business case for strategic HR. But as line managers become more involved in delivering—and even designing—HR activities in their local work environments, there is a greater need for HR researchers to attend to operational HR (the nuts and bolts). This need is particularly pressing in Asia Pacific organizations, where small HR units rely on line managers to deliver people management in dynamic and turbulent work environments. The nuts-and-bolts problem takes several different forms and is visible across the HR literature (e.g., in literature discussing transfer of training, star performer management, and employee alumni relationships). At a minimum, HR researchers should write actionable practical recommendations that enable readers to find the relevant nuts and bolts scattered across the HR academic literature. Fully addressing the nuts-and-bolts problem might involve HR researchers co-designing research with managers and/or inviting managers to interpret research findings. In the long run, these activities will deliver an HR research literature that conveys more empathy for line managers and a greater appreciation of the important role they play in delivering HR in organizations.