Human Resource Management in Context

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Although some of these techniques were also used in a few other Premier League clubs prior to
Allardyce’s arrival, the level of investment in the area of sports science and its strategic use as a performance
lever is still unparalleled within the football industry. This allowed the club to attract some
outstanding players because they could rejuvenate and extend playing careers through the focused
operation of these techniques. But, whilst they were concerned to ensure that those who work there
in whatever capacity were made to feel part of the Bolton ‘family’, lack of performance by staff or
players resulted in termination of contract. The football department acknowledged the diffi culties
inherent in combining best practice with ruthless approaches towards performance, but through their
mantra of ‘fi rst touch, last touch’ tried to ensure that departures from the organization were handled
as sensitively as possible. The rationale for such an approach to exit strategies was not based simply
on a belief in good people management, but acknowledged that good reports of experiences in a
club were important when recruiting. But, in concluding this case, it is important to state that these
strategies and practices developed within the football department occurred without reference to the
club’s newly established HR function. Following Allardyce’s departure from the club in 2007, along
with many of his backroom staff, it is interesting to speculate as to whether or not these initiatives
have remained in place or were jettisoned by those who replaced him.
Questions
1 What does this case suggest about the possible links that might exist between HR practices and
organizational performance?
2 What light does the example of Bolton Wanderers shine on the role of HR in the development of
HR strategies and practices? If you were the newly appointed head of HR at Bolton, how would
you seek to show the value of the function?
3 The Bolton Wanderers strategy relied on attracting and retaining highly experienced and qualifi
ed members of staff. What kinds of HR practices would need to be in place to bring such staff
to a fairly unfashionable Premier League football club?
4 How would you suggest that a club like BWFC captures, retains, and shares the knowledge and experience
possessed by its backroom staff so that they can withstand the loss of valued employees?
Chapter 1
Introducing human resource management 23