Business strategy and approaches to HRM ‐ A case study of new developments in the United Kingdom restaurant industry

Considers the relationship between business strategy and approaches to HRM. Theory suggests that certain approaches to HRM align more appropriately with different business strategies. Hence a new approach to business might suggest the need for a new approach to managing HR. Examines this relationship in more depth in the context of a new market development within the UK restaurant industry, the emergence of the so‐called “Designer restaurants”. Reports the findings on the conduct of HRM from a case study of three designer restaurants. Whilst some evidence of a move away from traditional (for the restaurant industry) approaches to HRM is presented, the findings do not indicate a clear relationship between business strategy and the approach to HRM. Discusses the implications for our understanding of the relationship.