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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 1 904541 08 9
ISSN 1393-6190

Cover design by Creative Inputs
Typeset by the Institute of Public Administration
Printed by ColourBooks

CONTENTS
2

Foreword

5

Acknowledgements

7

Executive Summary

8

Chapter 1: Introduction

12

1.1 Background

12

1.2 Policy context

13

1.3 Rationale for the study

14

1.4 Research terms of reference and approach

14

1.5 Report structure

15

Chapter 2: Key Concepts from the Strategic HR Literature

17

2.1 Introduction

17

2.2 What is strategic HR?

17

2.3 From personnel management to strategic HRM

18

2.4 The impact of strategic HRM

21

2.5 The implementation of strategic HRM in the public sector

23

2.6 Key chapter findings

26

Chapter 3: The Developing Concept of Strategic HR in the Irish Civil Service

28

3.1 Introduction

28

3.2 Background to HR reform in the civil service

28

3.3 From policy to practice

31

3.4 Key chapter findings

33

Chapter 4: Strategic HR Practice in the Irish Civil Service

35

4.1 Introduction

35

4.2 Evidence of HR as a strategic partner

36

4.3 Evidence of HR as an administrative expert

45

4.4 Evidence of HR as an employee champion

49

4.5 Evidence of HR as a change agent

54

4.6 Key chapter findings

55

3

Chapter 5: Implementing Strategic HR Outside the Civil Service

57

5.1 Introduction

57

5.2 HR reform in Dublin City Council

57

5.3 HR