This study examines effective supervisor/employee communication in a not-for-profit and a for-profit organization using qualitative research methods. Several studies have researched effective supervisor/employee communication at the quantitative level, but there is little qualitative research on this topic or on the four specific factors of effective communication: trust, listening, feedback and emotional intelligence and the impact on a group. The responses to in-depth interviews of supervisors and employees from a not-for-profit and a for-profit organization identified the overall impact the four factors had on supervisor/employee communication and the organizational communication system as a whole. The study found that three of the four key factors of effective supervisor/employee communication in the workplace were consistently ranked very high: trust, listening, and feedback. The fourth factor, emotional intelligence, did not rank high in awareness or importance. Five major findings emerged from the study. First, the three of the four factors, trust, listening, and feedback, rated high in both organizations. Second, effective supervisor/employee communication impacted organizational communication and climate significantly; hence, an organization, no matter what the purpose or structure, must create a positive organizational climate to maintain and retain employee relationships. Third, the organizational structures of not-for-profit and for-profit are undergoing a transformation, morphing into a new and unidentified organizational model that has yet to be clearly studied or identified, which incorporates traits from both. Fourth, the last factor, emotional intelligence, rated low with limited awareness of the term. Fifth, the study uncovers uncertain internal communication climates in both organizations, but exposes a hyper-focus on external and customer satisfaction communication.

Understanding how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) support their growth strategies through the development of management capacity (MC) is of fundamental importance, particularly given the central role SMEs play in the economies of their respective countries, and the fact that there is a lack of research and useful theories in this specific field. The objective of this study is to develop a framework for MC development (MCD) in growth-oriented SMEs. This study builds on grounded theory by conducting 14 interviews with key informants: 12 founders/CEOs and 2 top managers of German SMEs (and former SMEs). Data analysis was performed by using the qualitative data analysis software ATLAS.ti. The major findings of the study are that, contrary to previous SME HR research, most companies in this study had formal processes for HR practices in place, and there was clear evidence of certain forms of strategic plans, the pursuit of strategic objectives and the taking of strategic decisions manifested itself. In addition, most participants considered their organisation to have an alignment between growth strategy and MCD strategy. However, implementing it into business practice was perceived as extremely challenging. This study thus contributes to the field of SHRM literature by showing how MC is instantiated in SMEs. Furthermore, there is, arguably, a valuable practical application of the research study as it provides growth-oriented SMEs with a clear and logical framework from which to develop MC pro-actively as a major facet of their growth strategy.

The study sought to explore perception and attitude towards the study of African languages in high schools and the resultant implications on human resources development and management. The research basically explored the diverse perception and attitude that prevail towards African languages in African countries in general and Zimbabwe in particular. The descriptive survey research design was used mainly for its effectiveness in exploratory research. Participants were drawn from selected high schools and universities in Zimbabwe. Questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and documentary analyses were used to collect data. Data gathered were then subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analyses for triangulation purposes. Major findings indicated that the perception and attitude towards the study of African languages in Zimbabwean high schools is generally negative. English language is preferred to and valued more than African languages. Such perception and attitude determine choices of programmes of study at tertiary level and the selective channeling of people into specific professional fields. Consequently, that impact on the development and management of potential human resources in professions related to African languages. The current language policy in Zimbabwe has no clear instrument that defines the place of African languages in the curriculum and work place as is the case with English. The choice of language to study at high school is thus determined by fossilised perception and attitude towards languages in general, coupled with lack of career guidance on the link between African languages and related career opportunities, in the belief that English is the gateway to success. The study clearly reveals that it is the Zimbabwean education system that should realize the potential of schools as agents of change in improving the status of African languages. Hence the study advocates restructuring of the curriculum. Proposals and recommendations to re-engineer the Zimbabwean curriculum so that indigenous African languages are made compulsory up to ‘A’ level were made. Such a bold move would uplift the status of African languages and at the same time improve perception and attitude towards their study as well as indirectly, but positively, impacting on human resources development and management in related disciplines. / African Languages / D. Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)

In this companion dissertation findings are reported of applied case study research on four community college organizational units that consistently meet or exceed standard performance measures. Ample prior evidence confirmed that performance extended significantly beyond what might be explained by available tangible resources alone. The case study contexts are common in higher education in general: a) an external partnership, (b) an ad hoc team, (c) a traditional, cross-divisional service unit, and (d) a grant-funded student service unit. Emerging positive organizational theory and research shows promise for revealing performance-influencing phenomena and behaviors that are not adequately represented in standard measures. Therefore, this collaborative case study research was designed to explore positive influences on the success of the four community college units. The companion dissertation consists of three manuscripts. Chapter 2, a technical report, is a collaboratively-written synthesis of findings from the four individual case studies. Key findings across the units suggest the influence on performance of: (a) a people-first culture, (b) authentic, trusting, inclusive leadership, and (c) resource richness beyond constrained tangible resources. In Chapter 3, the author presents in journal article format one of the case studies that contributed to the findings reported in Chapter 2. The academic library chosen for this research serves an urban community college campus near the geographic center of its city. The research asks how the library consistently performs well despite severe budget and staffing constraints and a series of disruptive events. Key findings in Chapter 3 include the following influences on performance: (a) valuing people and building relationships; (b) a culture of service that shares duties, resources, and expertise; and (c) leadership that effectively translates formal goals into an enabling matrix of behaviors and phenomena. In Chapter 4, a scholarly narrative, the author reflects on transformative aspects of the doctoral experience on learning and life. Practical recommendations are offered. Additional research is needed to explore causal relationships, how to influence greater resource amplification, and how to increase awareness of positive organizational dynamics.

Notre recherche a pour but d’étudier la relation entre le roulement du personnel et la performance organisationnelle tout en mettant en évidence l’effet modérateur des pratiques de gestion des ressources humaines (GRH). De type empirique, cette étude utilise des données provenant de 241 caisses populaires Desjardins faisant partie de la Fédération des caisses Desjardins de Montréal et de l’Ouest-du-Québec dans le secteur bancaire. Notre étude repose sur les fondements théoriques d’Arthur (1994) et de Guthrie (2001) qui soutiennent qu’un roulement élevé dans les organisations diminue la performance organisationnelle. De plus, ces auteurs soutiennent que la stratégie de gestion des ressources humaines (GRH) adoptée par les organisations intervient dans le lien entre le roulement du personnel et la performance organisationnelle. C’est ainsi que, plus les organisations investissent dans leurs pratiques de GRH, plus les départs d’employés seront coûteux car celles-ci perdront alors les investissements faits et les retours attendus, ce qui affectera encore plus négativement la performance organisationnelle. C’est pourquoi, il apparaît nécessaire et intéressant de prendre en compte la gestion des ressources humaines comme contexte dans l’étude du lien entre le roulement du personnel et la performance organisationnelle. Nos résultats montrent que le roulement du personnel influence la performance organisationnelle. Plus particulièrement, nous constatons que le roulement du personnel diminue la productivité et augmente les coûts. Qui plus est, nos analyses ont décelé un effet modérateur des pratiques GRH. En effet, nous observons que l’impact du roulement du personnel sur la performance organisationnelle est plus nuisible pour les entreprises lorsque celles-ci implantent plus de pratiques de mobilisation. De plus, on observe que l’impact du roulement du personnel sur la performance organisationnelle est atténué lorsque les entreprises implantent plus de pratiques d’implication. Cette étude illustre bien la pertinence de tenir compte de la gestion des ressources humaines implantée dans les organisations afin d’expliquer de l’impact du roulement du personnel sur la performance organisationnelle. Ainsi, cette étude permet aux gestionnaires de mieux saisir l’effet du roulement du personnel sur la performance organisationnelle et de les aider à adopter les stratégies ressources humaines adéquates susceptibles d’influencer l’impact du roulement sur la performance de l’organisation. Mots clés : roulement, taux de roulement, performance organisationnelle, gestion des ressources humaines, productivité, efficience, rentabilité. / The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between turnover and organizational performance, as well as to highlight the moderating effect of human resources practices on this relationship. This empirical research is based on sample of 241 Desjardins caisses populaires establishments, members of la Fédération des caisses Desjardins of Montréal and West of Québec in credit union sector. This study uses the theoretical framework of Arthur (1994) and Guthrie (2001) which suggests that turnover has a negative effect on organizational performance. Moreover, these authors suggest that human resources strategies will moderate in the relationship between turnover and organizational performance. In fact, the more organizations invest in human resources practices, the more employees’ departures are expensive because organizations lose this investment and the expected benefits related to it, which will, in return, affect organizational performance. Therefore, it would be relevant to consider the human resources strategies in the relationship between turnover and organizational performance. The results of the present study show a negative relationship between turnover and organizational performance. More precisely, we notice that turnover decreases productivity and increases costs. The moderating effect of human resources practices was significant. In fact, the effect between turnover and organizational performance is more negative when “commitment” human resources practices are implemented. Also, the association between turnover and organizational performance is attenuated when “involvement” human resources practices are implemented. This study illustrates the importance to consider human resources strategies in the organization to better qualify the impact of turnover on organizational performance. Therefore, this study might help management to adjust their human resources strategies to influence the impact of turnover on organizational performance. Key words: quit rate, turnover, organizational performance, human resources management, productivity, financial profit.

This thesis examines wage differentials between male and female faculty salaries at Western Kentucky University. A human capital model of salary determination is examined by using regression analysis on relevant personal and job characteristics of faculty members. A large portion of the wage gap between men and women is explained through differences in the personal and job characteristics. A portion of the wage gap remains unexplained, however, the probability of discrimination playing a substantial role in salary is very small.

Notre étude s’intéresse à la façon dont les entreprises multinationales utilisent et gèrent la mobilité internationale de leurs employés. Plus précisément, nous cherchions à déterminer l’importance que les entreprises multinationales accordent à leur stratégie internationale au moment de décider de la façon d’utiliser l’expatriation et de la gérer au moyen des programmes de mobilité internationale. Bien que l’objet principal de notre recherche soit d’observer l’influence de la stratégie internationale sur ces programmes, nous avons cherché également à identifier d’autres caractéristiques de chaque entreprise et de son environnement susceptibles de les influencer. Cette démarche nous a permis de déterminer si les entreprises multinationales qui adoptent des programmes de mobilité internationale similaires partagent une même orientation stratégique au niveau international ou plutôt d’autres caractéristiques. Notre étude, effectuée auprès de professionnels de la GRH responsables de la gestion de la mobilité internationale, visait, dans un premier temps, à identifier le type de stratégie internationale privilégiée par les entreprises, ainsi que l’approche de la gestion internationale des ressources humaines qu’elles favorisent. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons cherché à identifier le type de programme de mobilité internationale en place dans chaque entreprise à partir de l’analyse de leurs composantes (politiques et pratiques RH). Nous avons tiré deux conclusions principales de notre étude. Premièrement, la mobilité internationale, plus particulièrement l’expatriation, constitue toujours un important outil d’expansion et de survie des entreprises multinationales. Deuxièmement, les entreprises multinationales l’utilisent différemment en fonction de leurs objectifs stratégiques et la gèrent de façon très pragmatique, en tenant compte d’une panoplie de facteurs tels le nombre d’expatriés, la culture managériale de l’entreprise, les caractéristiques de leur secteur d’activité, leur expérience et les difficultés rencontrées en cours de route. / Our study looks at how multinational corporations use and manage the international mobility of their employees. More specifically, we sought to determine to which extent multinationals consider their international management strategy in deciding how to use the expatriation managed through international mobility programs. Although the main purpose of our research is to observe the influence of the international management strategy on these programs, we also sought to identify other characteristics of each firm and its environment that may influence them. Our study, conducted among HR professionals responsible for management of international mobility, intended, in a first step, to identify the type of international management strategy favored by firms and the approach to international management of human resources they lead to. In a second step, we sought to identify the type of international mobility program in place in each firm from the analysis of their components (HR policies and practices). We drew two main conclusions of our study. First, international mobility, especially expatriation, is still an important tool for growth and survival of multinational corporations. Second, multinational corporations use expatriation differently depending on their strategic objectives and manage it very pragmatically, taking into account a variety of factors including the number of expatriates, the managerial culture of the company, the characteristics of their industry, their experience and difficulties encountered during the journey.

Manifestation du processus de rationalisation capitaliste contemporain, la gestion des ressources humaines s’est largement développée et diffusée comme paradigme d’organisation des relations sociales au sein de l’entreprise, mais aussi à l’extérieur de celle-ci. En m’appuyant sur l’étude Les employés de Siegfried Kracauer (2004 [1931]) ayant mis en lumière les effets de la rationalisation de l’entreprise moderne sur les traits de mentalités des employés dans les années 1920, je propose de me pencher sur les employés en gestion des ressources humaines aujourd’hui. Plus précisément, c’est la tension dont ils sont à la fois les porteurs et les objets qui constitue le coeur de ce mémoire. Cette tension lie la fonction particulière que ces employés sont appelés à jouer dans l’entreprise et leur propre condition comme employé. Ainsi, c’est par la constitution de rapports à la tension sous une forme idéaltypique— propre à l’approche wébérienne — que ce mémoire propose d’appréhender la condition des employés en gestion des ressources humaines. L’interprétation des rapports à la tension et à la pratique professionnelle de ces employés, à l’aune de quatre idéaltypes construits à cette fin (le sous-officier comptable, le sous-officier sportif, celle qui prend sur soi et le synthétique), permet de mettre en lumière des dilemmes qu’ils sont enclins à vivre, dilemmes inhérents à leur condition d’employés dans le monde rationalisé. / As a form of the contemporary process of rationalization, human resources management developed itself as a paradigm to organize social relations not only within the business industry, but also outside. This master thesis is based on the work of Siegfried Kracauer “The Salaried Masses” (1998 [1931]) that reveals the effects of the rationalized modern business industry on the mentality of the employees in the 1920’s. I propose to investigate the tension that the human resources management employees bear as they are, nowadays, both its carriers and objects. This tension, that binds the particular function of these employees within the business industry and their own condition as employees, forms the object of this master thesis. It is through the construction of relations toward the tension in an idealtypical form — specific to the Weberian approach – that this master thesis proposes to understand the employees’ condition in human resources management. By interpreting the relations toward the tension underpinned in this professional field with the four idealtypes constructed for this purpose (the accountant sergeant, the sport sergeant, she who takes upon herself and the synthetic), I bring to light the dilemmas that are likely to be experienced by these employees; dilemmas inherent to their condition in the rationalized world.

The master thesis deals with further education and training in the fields of prison and health services and education. It describes which methods are required in further education and why they can contribute to more efficient planning of education in the particular areas. The theoretical part defines the basic concepts of lifelong learning, analyzes the similarities and differences in the understanding of lifelong learning in strategic documents. Education forms an important part of human resources development and its efficiency depends on the choice of suitable teaching methods and on understanding learners' motivations. In theory, it surveys also training in the particular areas. The findings from the theoretical part are based on the practical part of the degree work, which forms the main point. This practical part is based on the opinions of the employees that have been identified through a questionnaire. The results provide information not only about the specifics of the education methods used in the monitored areas, but also about mutual similarities, and they get closer to the main motivating factors for education. It results from the survey that applied educational methods, which are basically consistent with respondents' views on their benefits and suitability of employees'...

The thesis deals with non-financial remuneration of teachers in pre-primary education . The introductory part is devoted to a general definition of basic concepts, the theory of human resources and remuneration. The next section is characterized by financial and non-financial forms of remuneration . There are specified the different types of rewards . The final section analyzes the choice of the most efficient and preferred forms of non-financial reward teaching staff of pre-primary education . It compares the views and preferences of headmasters and teachers.