Do primary HR functions model work in emerging economies? Sustainable compact perspective for Bangladeshi RMG industry

Abstract

Purpose The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) sustainable compact is evident for many labor-intensive industries in emerging economies. This study aims to develop a sustainable human resource (HR) practice model for a labor-intensive industry from the evidence of the Bangladeshi ready-made garments (RMG) sector. Design/methodology/approach The study tests the factors identified from the literature for model validation. A total of 22 HR function items were used in a survey of 800 randomly selected respondents from the RMG sector in Bangladesh. The factor analysis (both exploratory and confirmatory) techniques were applied to explore and validate the model. Findings The study findings reveal that the factory management and policymakers should focus on sustainable HR practices for the betterment of a labor-intensive industry. In detail, the staffing function involves strategic HR planning, recruitment and selection and perfect employee placement; training and development functions entail proper organizational orientation, various training and development programs and employees’ career management and growth; the motivation function necessitates job design, fairness in the appraisal, practicing good organizational citizenship behavior with sound rewarding system and compensation packages; and finally, the maintenance function entails healthy and safe working environment, good communication and relationship management. Originality/value The study is original in developing a sustainable HR practice model with the alignment of ILO’s three inter-linked sustainability compact for a labor-intensive industry from an emerging economy perspective. The study’s outcomes will be a torchbearer for any labor-intensive industry’s sustainable HR practice from an emerging economy across the globe.

The role of trade unions in promoting CSR in Bangladesh’s ready-made garments sector: the post-pandemic scenario

“…Most of the stakeholders’ theory of CSR enforces that the policy should be made for the betterment of the participating parties’ rights including the societal, legal, and ethical issues of the particular country (Carroll, 2021; Khan and Roy, 2022; Nirino et al. , 2022a, b).…”

“…In addition, the government has also introduced an online labor union registration platform from which online applications for labor unions, authentication, membership, grievances, and related assistance can be obtained anywhere (Bangladesh Textile Today, 2016). For the emergence of a world standard in organizational democracy in the Bangladeshi RMG sector, the Bangladeshi government, International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Commission, USA, Canada, and the other interested parties decided to sign the Compact for Continuous Improvements in Labour Rights and Factory Safety in the Ready-Made Garment and Knitwear Industry in Bangladesh (Saha et al, 2021;Khan and Roy, 2022;etc.). The pandemic situation motivates organizations to rethink CSR practices to keep up the pace of organizational democracy (Carroll, 2021;Rezaei et al, 2021).…”

“…Most of the stakeholders' theory of CSR enforces that the policy should be made for the betterment of the participating parties' rights including the societal, legal, and ethical issues of the particular country (Carroll, 2021;Khan and Roy, 2022;Nirino et al, 2022a, b). Therefore, the unions need to strike a balance between promoting the interests of their members and using their political clout to improve policies and practices regarding the working conditions and CSR activities in the sector.…”

Roles of Government Agents in Industrial Relations in Ready-Made Garment Industry of Bangladesh: A Qualitative Approach

“…Ready-made Garment (RMG) is considered the biggest export-earning industry in Bangladesh and acts as the driver of economic growth which pushes this country from lower to middleincome levels (Chowdhury & Shajahan, 2021). This identical industry is the second biggest exporter industry in the world after China amounting to $34 billion which is 84.21% of the total export of the country (Khan & Roy, 2022). Apart from its contribution as an export-earning industry, the RMG played an important role in employment generation, poverty alleviation, and empowering women (Barua, Wiersma & Ansary, 2021).…”

The impact of training and development facilities on job commitment among entry-level employees: Bangladeshi RMG perspectives

“…The industry provides employment opportunities for many individuals, contributing significantly to the country's foreign currency inflow. After the Rana Plaza catastrophe in April 2013, there was a notable rise in the prominence of the Readymade Garments (RMG) business, as documented by Khan and Roy (2023). The collapse of the building resulted in the tragic loss of more than one thousand workers' lives.…”