Exploring The Role of Team-Oriented HRM in Promoting Teamwork of Teachers

Even though teachers’ teamwork is widely valued, because most teachers are used to working autonomously and in relative isolation, it is difficult to stimulate. This article examines the role of team-oriented human resources management (THRM) in fostering teamwork among teachers. THRM refers to all policies and practices that promote team performance by enhancing team members’ abilities, motivation, and opportunities for teamwork. Based on case studies of eight schools, this study examined intended THRM as written down in policy plans, actual THRM as implemented in practice, and perceived THRM as experienced by teachers. Results showed that the intended THRM was mostly restricted to rather abstract THRM mission statements and policy intentions. Team leaders played a key role in translating these policies into concrete THRM practices, resulting in differences in perceived THRM across teacher teams. The authors conclude with suggestions for how schools can enhance the alignment among intended, actual, and perceived THRM.