Title: Free movement of labour and strategic Human Resource Management challenges in new European Union member states: a study of Estonian enterprises

Authors: Tiit Elenurm, Ruth Alas, Jana Laar

Addresses: Estonian Business School, Lauteri 3, 10114 Tallinn, Estonia. ' Estonian Business School, Lauteri 3, 10114 Tallinn, Estonia. ' Estonian Business School, Lauteri 3, 10114 Tallinn, Estonia

Abstract: The paper will present the results of a survey questionnaire conducted in Estonia in order to identify links between forecasts of cross-border labour mobility, opportunities and threats from European integration, development projects supported by the EU, and human resource development, in order to gain and retain international competitiveness. Research results reveal that smaller enterprises expect higher mobility than larger companies. Enterprises that have a long-term human resource strategy and link personnel training to international networking, technology and product development by participating in EU-supported development projects are less vulnerable to labour mobility risks.

Keywords: human resources; European integration; labour mobility; migration; competitive advantage; organisational capabilities; development projects; competences; strategy; Estonia; new EU states; European Union; human resource development; HRD.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2009.025070

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2009 Vol.9 No.4, pp.374 - 391

Received: 05 Nov 2007
Accepted: 02 Apr 2008
Published online: 11 May 2009 *

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