HRM in foreign affiliates : a multiple case study among Estonian affiliates of Finnish companies

The key question concerning the HRM in MNCs is the extent of global standardization versus localization of HRM-practices. The present study analyses whether the Finnish companies operating in Estonia apply a clear strategical approach to their IHRM and if so, what kind of approach (standardization versus localization) they have adopted across key HRMfunctions. The study followed a qualitative multiple case study approach. The results of the study showed that case companies did not have one clear approach to HRM in foreign affiliates in Estonia, i.e. those had not systematically standardized or localized all the HRM-functions.