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High Employee Dissatisfaction with Human Resource Management Systems in Sri Lankan Organizations

Human Resource Management systems play a crucial role in organizational success and employee satisfaction. In Sri Lanka, the evolution of HRM practices has been influenced by both colonial legacy and modern Western management principles. However, emerging research indicates widespread dissatisfaction among employees regarding current HRM systems (Opatha, 2019). This study aims to analyze the root causes of this dissatisfaction and its implications for organizational effectiveness.


Sri Lankan organizational culture, characterized by high power distance and collectivism, often conflicts with individualistic Western HRM practices.

Evidences  indicates that Sri Lankan organizations predominantly follow traditional personnel management approaches despite claiming modern HRM adoption (Wickramasinghe, 2018). Key characteristics include:

- Bureaucratic administrative systems
- Hierarchical decision-making processes
- Limited employee participation
- Inadequate performance management systems

Key reasons for the subject

Cultural Misalignment

- Western performance evaluation methods conflict with Sri Lankan cultural preferences for indirect communication
- Individual-based reward systems contradict collective cultural values
- Merit-based promotion systems clash with traditional seniority-based expectations

Structural Inadequacies

a. Compensation Management

- Non-transparent salary structures
- Limited correlation between performance and rewards
- Inadequate market-competitive benefits

b. Career Development

- Limited vertical mobility opportunities
- Insufficient skill development programs
- Unclear career progression paths

Operational Inefficiencies

- Manual HR processes resulting in delays
- Limited adoption of HR technology
- Poor documentation and record-keeping
- Inadequate grievance handling mechanisms

Impact Analysis 


Employee-Level Impact

- Reduced job satisfaction and motivation
- Increased stress levels
- Lower organizational commitment
- Higher turnover intentions

Organizational-Level Impact

- Decreased productivity
- Higher recruitment and training costs
- Reduced competitive advantage
- Compromised service quality 

Recommendations to improve the environment


Strategic Level

- Development of culturally aligned HRM frameworks
- Integration of traditional values with modern HRM practices
- Investment in HR technology infrastructure
- Establishment of clear performance-reward linkages

Operational Level

- Implementation of transparent communication systems
- Regular review and update of HR policies
- Development of comprehensive training programs
- Enhancement of employee engagement initiatives

Conclusion

The dissatisfaction with HRM systems in Sri Lankan organizations stems from a complex interplay of cultural misalignment, structural inadequacies, and operational inefficiencies. There is a significant disconnect between Western-oriented HRM systems and local cultural contexts, alongside structural and operational inefficiencies that hinder effective human resource management. Addressing these challenges requires a balanced approach that respects local cultural values while incorporating modern HRM best practices.

References

1. Opatha, H. H. D. N. P. (2019). Sustainable Human Resource Management: Expanding Horizons of HRM. Department of HRM, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
2. Wickramasinghe, V. (2018). "Human Resource Management in Sri Lanka: A Contemporary Perspective." International Journal of Human Resource Management Studies, 8(2), 23-45.
3. Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.
4. Dharmasiri, A. S. (2020). "Strategic Human Resource Management: Sri Lankan Perspective." Management Review Quarterly, 15(3), 112-134.
5. Nanayakkara, G. (2017). "Managing in Sri Lankan Organizations: Cultural Implications." Sri Lankan Journal of Management, 22(1), 45-67.

Comments

  1. In your discussion, you identified the issue and also recommended a solution. In my view, many entrepreneurs still lack a clear understanding of how to create an appealing organizational climate that attracts talent. Conversely, employees often fail to appreciate what they receive and respect their organization.
    However, some vibrant Sri Lankan organizations thrive by actively engaging their employees, particularly certain private banks and five-star hotels, showcasing the potential of a harmonious workplace. Remarkable insight.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sri Lankan HRM practices, influenced by traditional approaches and high power distance, often conflict with modern HRM, leading to employee dissatisfaction. Addressing these issues is essential for organizational effectiveness.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This analysis theoretically and effectively uncovers the deepseated dissatisfaction within the HRM systems in Sri Lankan organizations. An investigation into issues of cultural misalignment structural inadequacy and operational inefficiency therefore calls for revised HRM frameworks that respect local values and integrate modem practices. These recommendations stand as a firm foundation in enhancing employee satisfaction and organizational effectiveness.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This article brings up a crucial issue: high employee dissatisfaction with HR practices. It explores how unresponsive HR systems and a lack of support can lead to frustration and lower job satisfaction. The post emphasizes that HR teams need to understand and address employees’ concerns more proactively to maintain a happy, productive workplace. A helpful look at why focusing on employee feedback in HR processes is essential.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This blog post explains the reasons why many Sri Lankan employees are dissatisfied with HR systems. It analyzes the differences between local culture and Western HR practices and how these differences make employees unhappy. By improving communication, expanding rules and adding good HR technology, companies can provide better service while increasing employee’s satisfaction.

    ReplyDelete

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