People and Performance in Growing Knowledge Intensive Firms (a study of how and why people management practices improve business performance) (2000-2002)
The growth of knowledge intensive firms has been one of the most remarkable developments within the UK economy in recent years. These organisations are likely to continue to expand and account for an increasing proportion of the highly skilled employment opportunities. They operate in environments which are characterised by dynamic product and labour markets, and fast changing technologies. Moreover, they develop complex and innovative internal and external relationships, which may provide a model for other organisations. This research project investigated how and why people management practices affect business performance in knowledge intensive firms and was principally based on six case studies conducted over a two year period. It aimed to fill the gap in existing research, which has found quantitative links between these practices and organisational performance. The research, which was accessible to the practitioner and academic audiences, was firmly grounded in high quality qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. (Juani Swart, Nick Kinnie, John Purcell)
The final report of this CIPD sponsored research was published in March 2003 People and Performance in Knowledge Intensive Firms: a comparison of six research and technology organisations.