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Risk-Increasing and Risk-Reducing Practices in Human Resource Management: Focus Group Discussions with Livestock Managers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 January 2015

Vera Bitsch  and
Nicole J. Olynk
Vera Bitsch
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Nicole J. Olynk
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
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Abstract

Historically, managers in livestock production have focused on production management; however, as operations have grown they have spent more time managing employees. Increased time spent overseeing employees brings additional risks and challenges, and, hence, a greater need for human resource management (HRM) skills. This study investigated HRM practices in pork production and analyzed their risk attributes through six focus group discussions with managers. Results were compared to existing data from four dairy focus groups and to other research. The results have been used to develop and adapt educational workshops for managers in pork production.

Keywords

focus group research methodlabor managementpersonnel managementqualitative researchrisk managementrisk perceptionB49M12M50M52M53M54M59Q12Q19
Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics , Volume 40 , Issue 1 , April 2007 , pp. 185 - 201
Copyright
Copyright © Southern Agricultural Economics Association 2008

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