Monowar Mahmood

Societal institutions and HRM practices: an analysis of four European multinational subsidiaries in Bangladesh

Using the ‘societal-effect’ approach, a variant of the institutional theory developed and tested in Europe, this study investigates the impact of societal institutions on human resource management (HRM) practices of European multinational subsidiaries in Bangladesh, which is now on the list of the Next-11 economies of the world. In-depth case studies of four European multinational subsidiaries revealed the presence of different degrees of influence – partly attributable to societal effect – on the human resource practices of these subsidiaries. Our study added a new dimension to the interface between the strong and weak institutions and how such interfacing accords both legitimacy and reverse legitimacy to MNC subsidiaries and their societal institutions respectively. Another interesting finding of the study is the emergence of political system as a societal institution and, hence, a determinant of HRM practices in these subsidiaries. The studys implications are given.

HRM‐market performance relationship: evidence from Bangladeshi organizations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices on the market performance of manufacturing industries in Bangladesh. As one of the pioneer studies, it is hoped that this research will convince organizations that by adopting systematic and efficient HRM practices, they will achieve competitive advantages.Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative survey was used to gather data from publicly listed, large manufacturing companies in Bangladesh. Modified questionnaires were used to measure the adoption of HRM practices and the perceived market performance of the organizations. The statistical programme, SPSS, was used to analyse and interpret the results.Findings – The study revealed that HRM practices have a positive impact on organizations’ market performance. However, among different HRM practices, the performance appraisal seems to have the highest impact. Among the others, employee training and development, and the compensation practices were sh...

Corporate governance, financial crises and bank performance: lessons from top Russian banks

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different dimensions of corporate governance practices such as board characteristics, ownership structure, corporate disclosure and CEO education on the operating performance of Russian banks before, during and after financial crises. Based on the findings, it proposes some policy measures for improved governance practices to protect banks from future financial crisis or economic downturns. Design/methodology/approach The study comprises data from the largest publicly traded Russian banks listed on the Russian Stock Exchange RST for the period. Operating performance data were collected from financial statements, while corporate governance mechanisms were collected from annual reports available on the banks’ websites. Because panel data were used, the panel regression model was used to control unobserved time-constant heterogeneity. Findings The findings revealed a positive impact of corporate governance on bank performance before and after the financial crisis. The financial crisis enforced Russian banks to improve their corporate governance practices, resulting in better operating performance after the crisis. Surprisingly, the results for the during-crisis period show that better governance did not yield higher operating performance in Russian banks. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to provide empirical results regarding the relationship between corporate governance practices and bank performance in Russia across different financial crisis periods. The findings revealed the uniqueness of corporate governance scenarios of Russia which could provide important guidelines for other transition economies and emerging markets.

The rise of the BRICS and their challenge to the G7

Purpose – This paper attempts to assess the economic growth prospects of the BRICS countries and their potential ability to challenge and overtake the G7 countries. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to answer the following question: Do the BRICS represent a tangible economic threat to surpass the G7, and if so, how? Design/methodology/approach – The authors adopt a qualitative research method based on secondary data sources, such as journal publications, reports published by international organizations, and newspaper and magazine articles. Data from these different sources is compiled and presented in tabular form to provide logical support to the arguments. Findings – Based on the data analysis, the authors conclude that the BRICS have the potential to overtake the G7 in the long run. However, this objective is not likely to be as easy as presumed by economists, since a number of factors and uncertainties may deter the growing economic power and influence of the BRICS. Originality/value – At pre...

Human Resource Management Practices in Bangladesh: Current Scenario and Future Challenges

The aim of this study is to assess current HRM practices in Bangladesh, as well as the future challenges the country faces. Based on secondary sources, we explain the institutional contexts of the four main generic HRM functions: recruitment and selection, training and development, pay and performance appraisal and industrial relations practices. Here, we also highlight recent developments and future challenges with regard to HRM practices. While credible research on HRM practices in Bangladesh is still rare, this study will be beneficial to researchers and HRM practitioners interested in Bangladesh and other developing countries and, we hope, will encourage future research.

Employee Turnover in the Garment Industry in Bangladesh: An Organization-level Perspective

Abstract The main objective of this study is to identify the root causes of employee turnover in the garment industry in Bangladesh. The study employed a combination of case study and documentary research methods. Data and information were collected from eight garment factories through in-depth interviews, reviewing relevant documents, information extracting from annual reports and meetings minutes. The findings reveal wage rates, wage payment methods, training and development, career opportunities and occupational health and safety (OHS) as the main factors leading to high employee turnover in garment factories in Bangladesh. This study further explores the reasons for the variation in employee turnover rates among different garment factories. The findings advocate for a holistic approach adopting “multiple human resource practices” as a bundle to reduce employee turnover in the garment industry. Based on its empirical findings, this study provides recommendations that both corporate managers and government policy makers can follow to reduce employee turnover in the garment industry in Bangladesh.

Eurasian Economic Union: Evolution, challenges and possible future directions

Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia formed the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) with the aim of fostering closer economic cooperation among member states for the well-being of the people of the region. This paper critically analyses the history and evolution of the EEU as well as its success, challenges and prospects. Despite numerous attempts and initiatives, the EEUs actions have hardly achieved any significant success because most of its goals have either been declarative in nature or politically motivated and not taken seriously. Russian domination, influence, control and pressure may also be reasons for lack of progress and success. Long, bitter historical memories and distrust among the member states also made the integration process difficult. The article concludes that this latest attempt at integration in the former USSR region seems to be in trouble and may result in failure because of deteriorating economic conditions in Russia, the crisis facing the ruble, Russias continuous conflict with Ukraine and distrust among the member states.

Kazakhstan–BRICS Economic Cooperation: Exploring the Possibilities

Abstract The objective of the study is to explore and analyse the prospects of economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the BRICS countries and its possible impact on economic growth and development. The GDP growth rates, consumer market potentials, foreign exchange reserves, and human capital and innovation aspects were considered as the main areas of potential cooperation. Based on different databases, analytical reports and the authors’ analyses, the study suggests closer economic relationships between Kazakhstan and the BRICS countries for mutual benefits. However, the study also identified the potential challenges of economic integration with regional economic blocs and possible measures to overcome those barriers. The economic policy implications are also highlighted in the conclusion. The findings of this study could encourage other countries to consider closer cooperation to accelerate mutual economic growth and development in emerging economies.