This article explains an emerging trend in state human resource management, the adoption of shared services. According to a 2007 survey of state governments (n = 42), approximately 38% of states adopted a shared services model between 2005 and 2007 and another 26% of other states are considering adopting shared services. Shared services is a blended model which addresses challenges associated with dominantly decentralized and centralized human resource management systems by capitalizing on new technologies and sharing expertise. The study finds that both organizational and political factors drive adoption.
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