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The role of national culture on “best” practices in India: a multiple case study approach

Pramila Rao (School of Business, Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia, USA)

Journal of Indian Business Research

ISSN: 1755-4195

Article publication date: 31 May 2013

2542

Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of this research paper is to understand the role of national cultural dimensions on “best” HRM (human resource management) practices in India. India is considered a major emerging economy in the world today. US multinationals are significantly increasing their presence in India. An understanding of “best” local HRM practices will help global practitioners adopt better HRM strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative paper uses a multiple‐case design method of three “best” Indian companies. The interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed to understand the interview material clearly. The cases were analyzed independently followed by a cross‐case synthesis of the results. Construct validity, internal reliability, and external validity were followed according to scholarly guidelines required for a quality case analysis.

Findings

This research identifies the role of national cultural dimensions of power distance, uncertainty‐avoidance, in‐group collectivism, and future‐orientation on “best” HRM practices. It was observed that these three organizations have a strong focus on employee referrals (collectivist orientation), elaborate training and development (future orientation), developmental performance management (collectivist orientation), egalitarian practices (power‐distance), and family friendly practices (collectivist orientation). The various HRM practices are elaborated in the results section.

Practical implications

This study provides preliminary guidelines for global practitioners who may be interested in doing business in India. The paper provides a model of “best” HRM practices adopted by these three companies and also a strategic model integrating the national cultural dimensions to understand the HRM practices better.

Originality/value

This qualitative research integrates national cultural dimensions and “best” practices to provide a better understanding of culture. Studies have not examined the role of national cultural dimensions and best practices per se. Traditionally most studies on culture adopt the national cultural dimensions of Hofstede's – this study uses the scores of the GLOBE cultural study which is considered contemporary and distinguished in its research.

Keywords

Citation

Rao, P. (2013), "The role of national culture on “best” practices in India: a multiple case study approach", Journal of Indian Business Research, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 122-143. https://doi.org/10.1108/17554191311320782

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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