Shaista E. Khilji

‘Intended’ and ‘implemented’ HRM: the missing linchpin in strategic human resource management research

We argue that inconclusive findings in the SHRM literature regarding the relationship between HRM systems and organizational performance may result primarily from methodological weaknesses and a failure of researchers to distinguish between HR practices intended by the organizations and those actually implemented. Rather than relying upon a single respondent per organization as is the norm, we contrast reports of both managers and non-managers from inside and outside HR departments to highlight differences between intended and implemented HRM. The findings, arrived at with the help of 195 interviews, 508 questionnaire responses and several company documents, support our expectation: implemented HRM may be substantially different from intended HRM; consistent implementation increases employee satisfaction with HRM, which is positively related to organizational performance. The current study thus highlights new factors that require attention in developing HR–performance analyses and also suggests that a mere imitation of HRM in the hopes of improving organizational performance creates no value. It is crucial that HR departments and managers remain committed and supportive to the development of effective HRM systems by focusing upon actual ‘implementation’ within their organizations.

Editor's perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper (editorial) is to provide a balanced contextual overview of several South Asian countries, in order to present their relevance in international business research. Design/methodology/approach – The author argues that South Asia offers a rich context for studying and advancing international business theory and practice. Findings – South Asia presents an interesting paradox; where dynamism and growing challenges (of poverty, corruption, inadequate governance and extremism) exist side by side. The author also discusses that using South Asia as a context of the study is likely to add relevance and rigor to international business theory, therefore addressing the recent calls by many scholars. Research limitations/implications – Countries in South Asia are under‐researched by many accounts. Hence an exploration of business and management issues is likely to expose phenomena that have the potential to advance international business theory and practice. Originality/value – This editorial highlights the regional importance of South Asia in international business research. It places South Asian Journal of Global Business Research, with its emphasis on South Asian economies, organizations, diaspora and people, as an important journal for developing a body of knowledge relating to South Asian business practices, deepening our understanding of South Asia, broadening our view of international business theory and research, identifying new phenomena, exploring indigenous methodological tools and increasing the output of research focused on the region that appears in and also has an impact on global research.

The quasi-moderating role of organizational culture in the relationship between rewards and knowledge shared and gained

– The purpose of this paper is to clarify the role of organizational culture and rewards in stimulating the sharing and gaining of knowledge. , – Hierarchical regression using survey data. , – The analyses show that rewards and organizational culture of knowledge transfer influence the knowledge shared and knowledge gained. Moreover, culture and rewards interact to influence knowledge gained, but not knowledge shared which leads to the conclusion knowledge gaining can be induced by rewards, even in the absence of a supportive culture. , – The findings are consistent with socio-technical theory (STT) and the discussion positions this perspective as useful for future knowledge management studies. This research confirms that knowledge sharing and gaining are uniquely different activities that respond differently to culture and rewards. , – This study combines the work of different fields by focusing on knowledge sharing and gaining in a single study. Through this process, a bridge between organizational learning theory and STT is revealed.

7 – Frugal innovation

: This chapter highlights the creative use of frugal innovation by South Asian organizations in their attempts to stay competitive in an intensely global environment. We discuss how globalization has affected South Asia, the ways in which South Asian organizations have responded to contradictory global and local challenges, and what MNCs can learn from the experience of South Asian organizations. Some of the lessons for South Asian organizations include developing partnerships regionally and internationally and for MNCs to venture into South Asian markets for business prospects with an open mind, in order to engage in learning so as to better address changing circumstances not only in South Asian markets but also in their respective home markets globally.

Globalization, Change and Learning in South Asia

Abstract: The increasing geopolitical importance and rapid economic growth that characterize most of the South Asian region mean these diasporas are becoming progressively more important in driving economic and political ties between their countries of origin (COOs) and their countries of residence (CORs), in helping with knowledge transfer between them, and in influencing the economic and institutional development in their COOs. We provide a brief overview of the diaspora phenomenon, describe some of the roles that modern South Asian diasporas have played, explain their potential role in economic development of their COOs, and analyze some of the evolving issues that these diasporas are likely to face in their CORs.

Revisiting fortune at base of the pyramid (BoP)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to broaden the conception of the base of the pyramid (BoP) from that of a low purchasing power community, to a globally disconnected community.Design/methodology/approach – The paper identifies two views related to fortune at the BoP using the conventional purchasing power approach: finding fortune at the BoP; and creating fortune at the BoP. As a next step, the paper offers a theoretical basis for two additional views using the broader conception: sharing fortune with the BoP using social responsibility theory; and enabling fortune at the BoP using critical social theory. The authors construct an integrated framework to aid practitioners in responding to a variety of context‐specific issues in BoP strategy.Findings – The conventional approach might result in undermining the dignity of BoP communities, and discrediting their unique knowledge systems and potential contributions. It is argued that a context‐sensitive approach can help address these issues to a great ex...

Building competitive advantage in a global environment: leadership and the mindset

Globalization has created an intense competitive environment. As a result, achieving competitive advantage has become the core argument in international management. Some scholars have argued that the development of global leaders is critical (Osland, Bird, & Mendenhall, 2006; Yukl, 2009), while others believe that the global mindset is the key to strategic advantage (Black, Morison, & Gregerson, 1999; Jeannet, 2000; Javidan, 2008). In this paper, we present a review of both literatures (i.e., global leadership and global mindset) to highlight that todays dynamic marketplace requires a shift in thinking. We conclude by drawing attention to existing gaps in these literatures, and shed light on an emerging integrative model of global leadership and mindset.

Editor's perspective: Published South Asian research: current standing and future directions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper (editorial) is to take a stock of the research focused upon South Asia, in order to evaluate if it has produced useful results, and to discuss its future directions as per the scope and mission of the South Asian Journal of Global Business Research. In view of pleas for greater attention to context effects, the authors use the concept of contextualization as the basis for analysis. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative content analysis of research published in 21 top‐tier business journals is employed, including a total of 96 articles focusing upon South Asia or any South Asian country. Findings – A contextualization typology is presented, related to purpose (whether context guides the research or not) and methodology (whether new or old framework and/or scales are used) and continuum of attention to contextualizations for hypotheses and/or research questions, and research findings in order to discuss the status of published South Asian research. Research limitations/implications – The authors discuss limitations of their philosophical underpinning and epistemological standing that have influenced their analytical approach and results. Originality/value – This paper presents a contextualization typology as a starting point to discuss contextualization in international business theory and practice. The paper also provides directions for future research for scholars interested in South Asian research.

In search of global talent: is South Asia ready?

Purpose – Using human capital theory and resource-based view (RBV), the authors argue that individuals and societies derive economic benefits from investments in people (Becker, 1992; Sweetland, 1996), thus effective management of talent is critical for economic development (Lepak and Snell, 2002; Khilji, 2012a). Next, the authors review governmental policies in three of the worlds most populous countries, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, in order to highlight their national talent development efforts. The authors discuss how each country is meeting the challenge of making the talent they own, as well as buying diaspora talent in order to strengthen their local capabilities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The authors adopted a comparative analysis approach in order to frame our arguments and discussion. Findings – The paper finds that Bangladesh, India and Pakistan have implemented a wide range of initiatives, from skill development programs to citizenship policies ...

Analyzing HRD and NHRD: the road ahead for Afghanistan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the concepts of national human resource development (NHRD) and human resource development (HRD) in order to demonstrate their mutually reinforcing strategic value in the nation building process of Afghanistan.Design/methodology/approach – This study conducted an analysis of the national context and organizational context of an international aid agency in relation to Afghanistans nation building challenges.Findings – The authors propose NHRD as an effective strategic approach to progressing Afghanistans nation building strategy to be simultaneously used by the Afghan government and UNDP. Effective deployment of HRD principles in the selected international aid agency may further contribute to the nation building effort within Afghanistan by helping maximize organizational and workforce performances. In conjunction, these human development strategies can assist Afghan governments policy makers, and international aid agencies to successfully achieve human d...