HRM-praksiser i TV-produksjon

Abstract

The research on and practice of human resource management (HRM) typically are related to standard employment relationships and the HRM triad of line managers, employees and a HRM department. In this chapter we describe and analyze HRM in the context of television production in Norway. We identify a “deviant” context that is rarely studied, one characterized by project-based work and contingent employment relationships. In the theoretical part of the paper different contexts for HRM are described. We then provide a brief overview of the Norwegian institutional environment of employment relations. Based on 18 semi-structured interviews with respondents in various roles in TV production, we describe and analyze key HRM themes in the sector. Project organization is a characteristic feature in the production companies. They typically combine a small core of employees on open-ended contracts with (project-based) temporary employees and contractors. A collective agreement has been established in the TV industry for temporary employees, which is quite unique in Norway. A consistent finding is that the HRM function is minimalistic and “fuzzy”, for example, in relation to employee development and performance appraisals. However, many firms emphasize health and safety issues.