Lessons learned
The case study shows the relevance of different stages or phases in the process of organisational change related to a private equity intervention. It also reveals the importance of dynamics and the notion of time. In our HRM approaches we must therefore be aware of the fact that organisational challenges are in a state of flux and hardly static or stable. In this case, for example, upward as well as downward strategies are executed; each strategy needs a different approach and specific HR-interventions. This also shows us the relevance of both content and underlying processes related to HRM issues given organisational changes. The HRM discipline is often implicitly focused on the content of static issues. This private equity intervention highlights the impact of processes and dynamics. The case study also emphasises the role of top management in the change process. The road shows are important for stressing leadership support of the organisational changes made and for employees’ trust in the strategic decisions being made. The involvement of works councils and client council, mainly through information sharing, paid off in later stage of the private equity process. Building a strong relationship with social partners (e.g. works councils, client councils and trade unions) can contribute to optimally managing organisational change processes particularly in highly institutionalised contexts such as the Netherlands (Boselie, 2010). Finally, the case highlights the relevance of perceptions and sentiments of those involved. Emotions, feelings of insecurity, employee distrust in management, turnover intentions, dissatisfaction and low commitment levels are partly inevitable in times of major organisational change. Human resource management (HRM) or good people management can contribute to decrease these negative attitudes and perceptions with an active role of the HR function and its HR professionals in PE interventions.