Exploring High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) in the Libyan telecommunication sector
This study explores work practices (HPWS) in the Libyan telecommunications sector. HPWS are a set of distinct but interrelated human resources management practices combined in a consistent bundle and used to increase employee commitment and motivation, and thereby enhance organizational performance. The study asked questions about the nature and content of HPWS, why organizations adopt them, and what is the impact of HPWS on employees’ attitude and organizational performance, from both employers and employee’s perspectives. It also examined the way in which specific socio-cultural factors may affect the adoption of those practices in Libya, with particular reference to trans-cultural differences. Existing literature about HPWS shows that most previous studies were conducted in the manufacturing sector in developed countries, Anglo-Saxon countries such as the USA, UK, Australia and Canada are the primary sources from which the empirical evidence for HPWS stems. Little is known about HPWS in developing countries in general, and in the Libyan context in particular, where the context is substantially different from western countries. As the aspects of each country vary, this may limit or enhance HPWS in their effectiveness. Different cultural or institutional influences may shape the nature of the employment relationship within an organization. The present study aims to contribute to knowledge by studying the HPWS in the setting of a developing country, Libya, where specific socio-economic and cultural factors may affect the implementation of HPWS, and in an under-researched sector, the services sector, and by considering both employees and employer’s perspectives. The study adopted a qualitative approach; case study research design was used to conduct the research. Data was gathered from 37 respondents in two main companies in the telecommunications sector. The final results show that both managers and employees are satisfied with the implementation of HPWS system because it enhances their productivity and their organizations’ market positions as well. But there are various contextual characteristics, like political interference which negatively impact the HPWS implementation in the Libyan telecommunication sector.According to those results of the study, several recommendations for telecommunication industry like shifting the power and control of telecommunication sector from the ministry to heads of departments, and enhancing the internal feedback process, were suggested to help the sector and the two case companies in particular maximise their benefits from applying HPWS.
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