scholarly journals Human resource management and performance at the Indian Railways

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Edward Pereira ◽  
Rita Fontinha ◽  
Pawan Budhwar ◽  
Bimal Arora
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Financial Indicators ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
High Performance Work Practices ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Social Importance

Purpose High-performance work practices (HPWPs) have been well documented within private organisations in developed country economies. Such practices, however, remain under-investigated in the public sector and in emerging economies. The purpose of this paper is to work towards filling this void, by empirically evaluating HPWP within an Indian public sector undertaking (PSU), also the world’s largest commercial public sector employer: the Indian Railways (IR). Design/methodology/approach The authors investigate whether the practices implemented in this organisation are consistent with the idea of HPWPs, and analyse how they are influenced by different stakeholders and ultimately associated with different indicators of organisational performance. The authors focused on six railway zones and interviewed a total of 62 HR practitioners. Findings The results show that most practices implemented are aligned with the idea of HPWPs, despite the existence of context-specific unique practices. Furthermore, the authors identify the influence of multiple stakeholders in decision making concerning different practices. The authors additionally found that the measurement of performance goes beyond financial indicators and several context-specific non-financial indicators are identified and their social importance is reiterated. Originality/value Theoretically, this paper utilises and contributes to the resource-based view of firms by identifying a distinctive bundle of competencies in human resources through HPWS in the IR.

The impact of management control systems on organisational change and performance in the public sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-495
Author(s):  
Nuraddeen Abubakar Nuhu ◽  
Kevin Baird ◽  
Ranjith Appuhami
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Employee Empowerment ◽  
Strategic Flexibility ◽  
Interactive Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
And Performance

Purpose This study aims to examine the role of organisational dynamic capabilities (strategic flexibility and employee empowerment) in mediating the relationship between management control systems (MCSs), in particular the interactive and diagnostic approaches to using controls, with organisational change and performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected based on a mail survey of public sector organisations in Australia and analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings The findings indicate that strategic flexibility and employee empowerment mediate the association between the interactive approach to MCSs with organisational performance, and strategic flexibility mediates the relationship between the interactive approach to MCSs with organisational change. Practical implications The study’s findings inform public sector practitioners as to how to enact change within and enhance the performance of public sector organisations. Specifically, managers are advised to focus on the use of interactive controls and the development of two dynamic organisational capabilities, strategic flexibility and employee empowerment. Originality/value The study provides an initial empirical insight into the relation between controls and dynamic capabilities and their role in enacting change and performance within the public sector. The findings suggest that the achievement of new public management ideals is reliant upon the organisational environment, with change and performance facilitated by the interactive use of controls and strategic flexibility and employee empowerment.

An examination of the moderating effect of electronic-HRM on high-performance work practices and organisational performance link

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shatha M. Obeidat
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Work Practices ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Performance Work Practices ◽  
And Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine electronic-HRM (e-HRM) as a contingency factor moderating the relationship between high-performance work practices (HPWP) and organisational performance. It also explores the hypothesised relationship within the Middle Eastern context. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was conducted on Jordanian firms operating in both financial and manufacturing sectors. The final research sample consisted of 118 questionnaires. The data were analysed using partial least squares through Smart PLS. Findings The findings show support for the hypothesised relationship. In particular, this study shows that both HPWP and e-HRM have a significant positive influence on organisational performance. The results also revealed that e-HRM moderates the HPWP-performance link. Practical implications Overall, these findings support previous claims that the adoption of HPWP contributes to organisational success. In particular, firms operating in the Middle Eastern region could improve their performance by implementing HPWP. It also confirms the vital role of e-HRM on improving the positive influence of HPWP on organisational performance. Thus, managers may consider investing in e-HRM system in order to enforce the contribution of HPWP to the effectiveness of their firms. Originality/value This study represents a first attempt to measure e-HRM as a possible moderating variable in the HPWP and organisational performance link. Such moderation would be a contribution to the strategic HRM field as very recent research calls for studies that examine new intermediary variables in an attempt to unlock the “black box” in the HPWP and performance link.

The link between high performance work practices and organizational performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 578-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shatha M. Obeidat ◽  
Rebecca Mitchell ◽  
Mark Bray
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Work Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Sectors ◽  
High Performance Work Practices ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to better understand the relationship between high-performance work practices (HPWP) and organizational performance through a multi-dimensional model of the relationship between HPWP and performance, which conceptualizes HPWP according to the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework. HPWP are conceptualized as HR practices capable of enhancing the AMO of employees to contribute to organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 118 Jordanian firms operating in the financial and manufacturing sectors. A questionnaire completed by the HR director in each firm assessed HPWP adoption and their influence on organizational performance. Findings – The findings generate support for the link between HPWP and organizational performance and confirm the utility of the AMO model for conceptualizing HPWP and their impact on organizational performance. Research limitations/implications – While this study relies on cross-sectional data, it confirms the utility of the AMO framework as an appropriate conceptual basis for HPWP and provides substantial support for the relevance of HPWP in increasing organizational performance. Originality/value – The findings provide a basis for more consistent empirical investigation and better theory building for HPWP, and also provide a more robust basis for practical prescription. The empirical contribution is also significant as one of the few studies to investigate the link between HPWP and organizational performance in the Middle East.

Performance appraisal systems and public sector efficiency in small island developing states

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 974-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Loga ◽  
Anand Chand
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Performance Appraisal ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Appraisal Systems

Purpose There is extant literature on performance appraisal systems (PAS) in public sector globally; however, most of the literature focuses on PAS in public sector in large developed and large developing countries. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is scant literature on PAS in the public sector of small developing countries. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to fill the research gap and analyse employee perceptions of the annual performance appraisal (APA) system and its implications in the Fiji’s public sector. It examines the APA more specifically in the case study of Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Fiji. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods approach was undertaken and information collected from each research method was triangulated to ensure the reliability and validity of the findings. Findings This study found that the APA system shows promise of delivering on the expected outcomes for PAS. Similarly, staff morale was found to increase while employee behaviour improved with employee involvement and simple key performance indicators. However, much work needs to be done at the macro, meso and micro level of policy planning and implementation in order to ensure the success of APA. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this research are that it is based solely on Fiji’s experience and future research could expand this study to other developing country contexts, especially small island states. Originality/value After conducting a literature review on developed nations and research in a small developing country (Fiji), this paper produces two models: a PAS model in the developed country context and another in Fiji’s small developing country context. This paper contributes to the existing literature of PAS in the public sector and more specifically in the context of developing small island countries.

scholarly journals Using management control to understand public sector corporate governance changes

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 548-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Ferry ◽  
Thomas Ahrens
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Public Interest ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Management Control System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
And Performance

Purpose Within the context of recent post-localism developments in the English local government, this paper aims to show, first, how management controls have become more enabling in response to changes in rules of public sector corporate governance and, secondly, how changes in management control systems gave rise to new corporate governance practices. Design/methodology/approach Theoretically, the paper mobilises the concept of enabling control to reflect on contemporary changes in public sector corporate governance. It draws on the International Federation of Accountants’ (IFAC) and Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) new public sector governance and management control system model and data gathered from a longitudinal qualitative field study of a local authority in North East England. The field study used interviews, observation and documentation review. Findings This paper suggests specific ways in which the decentralisation of policymaking and performance measurement in a local authority (present case) gave rise to enabling corporate governance and how corporate governance and management control practices went some way to aid in the pursuit of the public interest. In particular, it shows that the management control system can be designed at the operational level to be enabling. The significance of global transparency for supporting corporate governance practices around public interest is observed. This paper reaffirms that accountability is but one element of public sector corporate governance. Rather, public sector corporate governance also pursues integrity, openness, defining outcomes, determining interventions, leadership and capacity and risk and performance management. Practical implications Insights into uses of such enabling practices in public sector corporate governance are relevant for many countries in which public sector funding has been cut, especially since the 2007/2008 global financial crisis. Originality/value This paper introduces the concept of enabling control into the public sector corporate governance and control debate by fleshing out the categories of public sector corporate governance and management control suggested recently by IFAC and CIPFA drawing on observed practices of a local government entity.

Relationship between CSR motivations and corporate social performance: a study in the power industry in India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moumita Acharyya ◽  
Tanuja Agarwala
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Corporate Social Performance ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Power Sector ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Self Interest ◽  
Public And Private Sector

PurposeThe paper aims to understand the different motivations / reasons for engaging in CSR initiatives by the organizations. In addition, the study also examines the relationship between CSR motivations and corporate social performance (CSP).Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from two power sector organizations: one was a private sector firm and the other was a public sector firm. A comparative analysis of the variables with respect to private and public sector organizations was conducted. A questionnaire survey was administered among 370 employees working in the power sector, with 199 executives from public sector and 171 from private sector.Findings“Philanthropic” motivation emerged as the most dominant CSR motivation among both the public and private sector firms. The private sector firm was found to be significantly higher with respect to “philanthropic”, “enlightened self-interest” and “normative” CSR motivations when compared with the public sector firms. Findings suggest that public and private sector firms differed significantly on four CSR motivations, namely, “philanthropic”, “enlightened self-interest”, “normative” and “coercive”. The CSP score was significantly different among the two power sector firms of public and private sectors. The private sector firm had a higher CSP level than the public sector undertaking.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies in the domain need to address differences in CSR motivations and CSP across other sectors to understand the role of industry characteristics in influencing social development targets of organizations. Research also needs to focus on demonstrating the relationship between CSP and financial performance of the firms. Further, the HR outcomes of CSR initiatives and measurement of CSP indicators, such as attracting and retaining talent, employee commitment and organizational climate factors, need to be assessed.Originality/valueThe social issues are now directly linked with the business model to ensure consistency and community development. The results reveal a need for “enlightened self-interest” which is the second dominant CSR motivation among the organizations. The study makes a novel contribution by determining that competitive and coercive motivations are not functional as part of organizational CSR strategy. CSR can never be forced as the very idea is to do social good. Eventually, the CSR approach demands a commitment from within. The organizations need to emphasize more voluntary engagement of employees and go beyond statutory requirements for realizing the true CSR benefits.

Performance measurement and management in the public sector: state of the art and research opportunities

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Garengo ◽  
Alberto Sardi
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Conceptual Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Opportunities ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Organisations

PurposeSince the 1980s, performance measurement and management (PMM) has been described as an essential element of new public management (NPM) reforms. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current state of the art and future research opportunities for PMM in public sector management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper carried out a bibliometric literature review using two main techniques named (1) performance analysis and (2) science mapping techniques. It investigated the academic research area describing the main publications' trend, the conceptual structure and its evolution from 1996 to 2019.FindingsThe results highlighted the growing relevance of PMM research in public organisations and confirmed a great interest of the business, management and accounting literature on PMM in public sector management. Furthermore, the results also described a conceptual structure of the public PMM literature analysed and its evolution being too generic to answer public organisations' needs. The results identified five main research gaps and research opportunities.Originality/valueAlthough the adoption of rigorous bibliometric techniques was recognised as being useful for assessing the academic research study, the paper describes the business, management and accounting literature contributing to new theoretical and practical future opportunities.

Ethical leadership

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahad Shakeel ◽  
Peter Mathieu Kruyen ◽  
Sandra Van Thiel
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Ethical Leadership ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Recent Criticism ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer a review of the selected literature in ethical leadership synthesizing findings from 45 articles selected from journals on leadership, public administration, organizational behavior, psychology and ethics. Design/methodology/approach Four themes are addressed: the conceptualization of ethical leadership theories, the existence of popular measurement instruments for ethical leadership, findings on ethical leadership in the public sector and outcomes of ethical leadership in terms of benefits and negative consequences. Findings The definition by Brown et al. (2005) is the most frequently used definition, even though recent criticism states that this definition may be too narrow. Ethical leadership is usually measured by means of a survey; however, there are at least three different questionnaires in use. In the public sector, ethical leadership has been linked to both positive outcomes and negative consequences. Research limitations/implications This paper only includes selected academic articles and does not include published books. Originality/value Based on our findings, the authors present recommendations for future research, among others into a broader conceptualization of ethical leadership and the use of mixed methods.

Creating high-performance organizations in the public sector

2002 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tressie Wright Muldrow ◽  
Timothy Buckley ◽  
Brigitte W. Schay
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
High Performance ◽  
The Public
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