Rasidah Arshad

Great expectations – CEOs’ perception of the performance gap of the HRM function in the Malaysian manufacturing sector

This study examines the variations in HRM practice among Malaysian manufacturing firms. A typology of HRM practices is first identified, management expectations towards the HRM function and the performance gap of the HR departments are then examined. The findings obtained are then compared with various theoretical models. A comparison with the empirical finding of a US study is also made. Further, the implications of the findings of this study are examined. Finally, a number of suggestions are proposed to improve HRM practice.

Downsizing and survivor reactions in Malaysia: modelling antecedents and outcomes of psychological contract violation

This study provides an empirical test of a model of antecedents and consequences of psychological contract violation (PCV) caused by the experience of downsizing. A longitudinal survey method was used to collect data at two different points in time (a month after downsizing, and eight months later) from a sample of 281 survivors from a large Malaysian organization going through downsizing. Respondents were from the headquarters (HQ), factories and subsidiaries located across the country and were employed across hierarchical positions including managers, supervisors, technical, operating and administrative staff. A causal model is proposed and tested. The model proposes that the perception of justice and negative affectivity at time 1 (T1) predict PCV, which in turn predicts three attitudinal and behavioural outcomes of commitment, organizational citizenship behaviours (OCBs) and turnover intentions at time 2 (T2). Three variations of the model (fully-mediated, partially-mediated and unmediated) were tested with structural equation modelling. The results show that both the perception of justice and negative affectivity significantly predict PCV, and that there is a direct effect between PCV and commitment, an indirect effect between PCV and OCBs, and both direct and indirect effects between PCV and turnover intentions. The findings demonstrate the utility of psychological contact framework in explaining survivor reactions to downsizing.

Psychological contract violation and turnover intention: do cultural values matter?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of cultural value orientations (mastery and subjugation) in moderating the relationship between psychological contract violation (PCV) and turnover intention. Design/methodology/approach – A longitudinal survey method was used to collect data from downsizing survivors in two phases. The final sample was 281 cases. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression models were used to test the hypotheses. Findings – PCV is positively related to turnover intention, and the relationship is moderated by cultural value orientations. Specifically, the relationship is stronger among downsizing survivors with a high level of subjugation orientation (SO) and/or a low level of mastery orientation (MO) in comparison with downsizing survivors with a low level of SO and/or a high level of MO. Research limitations/implications – The contribution of the study lies in the utility of examining culture at an individual level of analysis in relation to PC and ...