There has been growing interest in the degree to which human resource systems contribute to organizational effectiveness, yet limited research attention has been paid to the contextual conditions that moderate the efficacy of these practices. In this study, we examined how industry characteristics affect the relative importance and value of high-performance work systems. Findings indicate that the impact of these human resources systems on productivity is influenced by industry capital intensity, growth, and differentiation.

Based on 173 acquisitions in the U.S. manufacturing industry, this study examines the impact of organizational differences between acquiring and acquired firms on post‐acquisition performance. The findings indicate that differences in top management styles have a negative impact on performance in acquisitions characterized by both high and low levels of post‐acquisition integration. However, no such relationship was observed between differences in the reward and evaluation systems and post‐acquisition performance in either the high or low integration subgroups. Implications of the findings, along with directions for future research, have been discussed in the concluding section of this paper.

As employee downsizing has become increasingly ubiquitous in recent years, the study of this phenomenon has assumed greater significance. This article develops an integrative framework that incorporates environmental and organizational antecedents as well as the implications of downsizing for individuals and organizations. Key empirical studies are reviewed and major patterns and contradictions are identified. The authors identify and discuss theoretical and methodological concerns related to the extant literature and provide recommendations for future research aimed at developing a better understanding of employee downsizing.