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The A ustralian M en's S heds movement: human resource management in a voluntary organisation
Author(s) -
Cavanagh Jillian,
McNeil Nicola,
Bartram Timothy
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
asia pacific journal of human resources
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.825
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1744-7941
pISSN - 1038-4111
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7941.2012.00051.x
Subject(s) - human resources , resource (disambiguation) , human resource management , business , marketing , knowledge management , management , economics , computer science , computer network
This paper examines the M en's S heds movement – an A ustralian innovation that is now spreading internationally. This movement has significance for human resource management, both in providing a useful alternative to paid employment for older workers, and as a research site where the human resources challenges peculiar to voluntary organisations can be observed. The paper is underpinned by social exchange theory. The paper's empirical focus is on the factors that govern the level of participation of members in the M en's S heds movement. The research employs a case study methodology, with focus groups of 34 members in two A ustralian men's sheds. Predictably, we found that the decision to participate is driven primarily by altruistic motives and reciprocal relationships. However, professional HRM practices remain important. Our findings lend support for the importance of leadership and human resource practices, such as training and development, occupational health and safety, and human resource planning that are used to facilitate effective participation in the sheds.