Critical Analysis of HR Practices and Employee Performance in Business

This dissertation, titled "Critical Analysis of Different HR Practices and Policies to Implement Within the Organisational Environment to Enhance Employee Performance," examines the crucial role of Human Resource Management (HRM) in developing employee performance and skills. The research focuses on analyzing various HR practices and policies within an organizational context, with the aim of improving employee performance, satisfaction, and ultimately, profitability. The study uses Amazon.com Inc. as a case study, addressing contemporary issues such as excessive workloads, low wages, and employee feedback policies, to assess their impact on employee performance and productivity. The research incorporates both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including interviews and questionnaires, to provide a comprehensive analysis. The dissertation explores relevant HRM theories, such as Human Relations Theory and Administrative Theory, and identifies challenges faced by organizations in implementing effective HR practices. The conclusion offers recommendations for improved HR practices, including training, motivation, and enhanced communication, to foster a better working environment and enhance employee performance. The dissertation provides a detailed analysis of HR practices and policies and their impact on employee performance, using a mixed-methods approach to provide insights and recommendations for organizations seeking to improve employee satisfaction and productivity.

Module Title: Researching Business and Management Issues
CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT HR PRACTICES AND POLICIES
TO IMPLEMENT WITHIN THE ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT TO
ENHANCE EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
Student Name: Abdul Hafeedh Haneefa
Student Number: 1727023
Module Code: 6BU001
Researching Business and Management Issues
Title: Dissertation
ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT HR PRACTICES AND POLICIES
TO IMPLEMENT WITHIN THE ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT TO
ENHANCE EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
Student Name: Abdul Hafeedh Haneefa
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Researching Business and Management Issues
ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT HR PRACTICES AND POLICIES
TO IMPLEMENT WITHIN THE ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT TO

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Abstract
In the current research the research has conducted a systematic analysis on the role of
human resource management on the development of employee’s performances and
skills. These HR practices are mainly conducted with the intention of improving the
performance of the employees in the current scenario. Concerning the present situation,
the research is conducted to analyse every aspect of the HR programmes of the
company and the policies regarding it. It is done to evaluate the importance of the
issues to generate a better working culture and enhance the employee satisfaction for
the ultimate increase in the profit margin while restoring the productivity. As the current
research has been conducted a systematic collaborative study, thus, any organisation
can build their strategic plan in management with these methods and the given
recommendations can be also followed. Along with the existing strategies of HRM that
impact on the loss of potential employees, putting huge workload on employees,
overtime and other issues have been discussed in a critical approach. However, in this
research, both the variables have been correlated and analysed in a systematic way. At
the end of this research, a reflective recommendation has been provided by the
researcher about the better HR practices in future.

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Table of contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Topic Introduction................................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Position of the topic as per present scenario ........................................................................ 7
1.3 Significance or Relevance of the topic .................................................................................. 8
1.4 Contemporary nature of the study ........................................................................................ 9
1.5 Research aim, objectives and questions .............................................................................. 9
1.6 Research gap ......................................................................................................................10
1.7 Summary ............................................................................................................................11
1.8 Structure of the dissertation ................................................................................................11
Chapter 2: Literature Review .....................................................................................................12
2.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................12
2.2 Concept of different HR policies and practices ....................................................................12
2.3 Impact and importance of enhancement of employee performances ...................................14
2.4 Theoretical Interpretations ...................................................................................................16
2.4.1 Human Relations Theory ..................................................................................................16
2.4.2 Administrative Theory .......................................................................................................17
2.5 Challenges that an organisation faces in HR management and employee performance .....19
2.6 Summary ............................................................................................................................20
Chapter 3: Research Methodology ............................................................................................21
3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................21
3.2 Conceptual framework ........................................................................................................22
3.3 Research Onion ..................................................................................................................23
3.4 Research Philosophy (Positivism) .......................................................................................23
3.4 Research approach (Deductive) ..........................................................................................25
3.5 Research Design (Descriptive) ............................................................................................26
3.6 Population and Sampling ....................................................................................................27
3.7 Data collection methods ......................................................................................................28
3.8 Ethical consideration ...........................................................................................................30
3.9 Research Limitations ...........................................................................................................30
3.10 Summary...........................................................................................................................31
Chapter 4: Data Presentation and Analysis ...............................................................................32
4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................32

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4.2 Primary qualitative through interview questionnaires ...........................................................32
4.3 Quantitative questions for employees ..................................................................................36
4.4 Critically discuss the result of the literature review ..............................................................45
4.5 Summary ............................................................................................................................45
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Discussion ......................................................................................47
5.1 Conclusion ..........................................................................................................................47
5.2 Reflection on positive and negative impacts in this study ....................................................48
5.3 Future scope of the study ....................................................................................................49
5.4 Recommendations ..............................................................................................................49
5.5 Summary ............................................................................................................................52
Reference list ............................................................................................................................53
Appendices ...............................................................................................................................57

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List of tables
Table 1: Methods of Data Collection according to the Research Philosophy ................ 24
Table 2: Methods of Research Approach ...................................................................... 26
Table 3: Quantitative Research ..................................................................................... 29
Table 4: Qualitative Research ....................................................................................... 30
Table 5: Primary Qualitative Questions ......................................................................... 34
Table 6: Policies adopted to enhance employee performance ...................................... 36
Table 7: Policies adopted to enhance employee performance ...................................... 38
Table 8: Effectiveness of policies .................................................................................. 39
Table 9: Growth symptoms ........................................................................................... 41
Table 10: Recommendations ........................................................................................ 43
Table 11: Training and workshops ................................................................................ 50
Table 12: Motivation session ......................................................................................... 51
Table 13: Improved communication .............................................................................. 52

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List of figures
Figure 1: Structure of dissertation ................................................................................. 11
Figure 3: HR policies and practices ............................................................................... 13
Figure 4: Enhancement of employee performances ...................................................... 15
Figure 5: Research methodology .................................................................................. 21
Figure 6: Conceptual Framework .................................................................................. 22
Figure 7: Research Onion ............................................................................................. 23
Figure 8: Consideration towards employee performance .............................................. 37
Figure 10: Policies adopted to enhance employee performance ................................... 38
Figure 10: Effectiveness of policies ............................................................................... 40
Figure 11: Growth Symptoms ........................................................................................ 42
Figure 12: Recommendations ....................................................................................... 44

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Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Topic Introduction
The performance of the employees in an organisation is an important factor that
determines the success of the organisation. In such case, the policies of the
organisation are such that it also contributes to the performance of the employees. This
is a significant factor owing to the fact that the performance of the employee will affect
the overall productivity of the organisation. In turn, it increases the efficiency of the
employees and reflects on the career graph of them. The growth-oriented policies that
are adopted by the organisation ensure that the company is concerned about its
employees.
1.2 Position of the topic as per present scenario
Amazon.com Inc. is a global organisation working as Amazon is an electronic
commerce as well as cloud computing organisation based in Seattle in the United
States of America. Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos on the 5th of July in
1994(Amazon.com, 2018). Since then the company has strived and is the biggest online
retailer in the world as per the market share and the revenues collected by the
organisation worldwide. Amazon has been facing issues regarding the performance of
the employees due to some of the policies adopted by the organisation (Segar, 2018).
Amazon considers its employees to be always available if they find them to be able to
endure a lengthier stay at the office. The company then sets work schedules for such
employees which claim to the fact that they should prioritise their work over any other
thing in their lives that is even their families.
Added to this, the policy of allowing the fellow colleagues in the team to give feedback
to others in the team by means of the tool of anytime feedback is also different from any
other organisation. Recent protests in various parts of the world raise the issue of low
wages to the workers compared to the backbreaking workload. The issues of increased
workload and lower pay have direct impact on the performance of the employees as

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well as the overall productivity (Barrick et al.2015, p. 116). Moreover, employee
feedback policies which are on the basis of the competitive environment that Amazon
boasts have positively impacted the organisation.
Recent reports suggest that the excessive workload and lower pay scale of Amazon
have let the employee’s widespread rise against the company (Athitakis, 2015). This
proves of the lesser compliance of the employees with the company that is seriously
affecting the brand image and productivity of Amazon. This research shall focus on
different HR practices and policies that are implemented by Amazon to enhance
employee performance [Refer to Appendix 2].
1.3 Significance or Relevance of the topic
In the era of modernisation, there occur a number of management problems in an
organisation. In order to run a successful organisation, it is very important to manage
the employees with great skill management. There are a lot of global companies that
are hiring employees to spread their area of business. The different HR practices of the
organisations make it possible for the companies to maintain a positive growth while
enhancing both the employee performance and productivity. With an intention to expand
the branches of the organisation it often happens that the company forgets to look into
the major problems due to the mismanagement (Wheelen et al. 2017, p.121). Talking
about one of the globalised company Amazon, it has also faced several issues
regarding the employees' facilities due to the negligence towards employee satisfaction
(Rittenhouse, 2017). The HR recruitment policies play an important role to satisfy the
need of working ability of the staffs (growhr.co.nz, 2018). These HR practices are
mainly conducted with the intention of improving the performance of the employees in
the current scenario. Concerning the present situation, the research is conducted to
analyse every aspect of the HR programmes of the company and the policies regarding
it. It is done to evaluate the importance of the issues to generate a better working
culture and enhance the employee satisfaction for the ultimate increase in the profit
margin while restoring the productivity.

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1.4 Contemporary nature of the study
As the modern era of globalisation is giving birth to a competitive market, there occur
numerous problems regarding the job culture and employment (Barrick et al, 2015,
p.132). Talking about the current scenario, the company Amazon is having serious
issues considering the low payment of the employees while they are having an
excessive workload. Moreover, it is also considered to be one of the major problems of
the employees that they are not being treated in the right way. The complaint of not
getting paid according to the labour has often been registered with the company
Amazon. Moreover, the company is also marked for not behaving in proper manners
with its employees. As a result at present, the company is getting a lot of negative
media attention with regards to its attitude and policies towards the employees.
Considering the global market of working, there are a lot of countries that are struggling
to solve their employment issues (Young et al. 2015, p.701).
The employees often get prepared to take revolutionary steps. The dissatisfaction and
disorder in the working environment affect the atmosphere of the company and the
productivity of the organisation as well (Armstrong and Taylor, 2014, p.55). The HR
policies and practices being unable to justify the needs of the staffs in a specific
organisation bring the threat to lead the company towards negative direction while
affecting the job culture and productivity (Landy and Conte, 2016, p.85).
1.5 Research aim, objectives and questions
1.5.1 Aim
The aim of the research is to collect the original data on the basis of proper methods
and to identify the issues that are creating hurdles for the company to progress further.
1.5.2 Objectives
The objectives of the research follow the issues mentioned below.

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● To critically analyse the importance and impact of different HR practices in the
organisation for enhancing employee performance
● To evaluate the implications of different theories and models of HR practices in the
present corporate world
● To identify the challenges faced by companies in implementing HR practices
● To recommend the possible ways to restore employee satisfaction while generating
improved HR practices for the betterment of both the employees and the company
1.5.3 Research Questions
Q1: What is the importance and impact of the different HR practices in the organisations
to enhance employee performance?
Q2: What are the implications of different theories and models of HR practices in the
present corporate world?
Q3: What are the challenges that the company is facing in implementing HR practices?
Q4: What are the possible effective steps in changing the performance of the
employees while maintaining the required HR policies?
1.6 Research gap
Previously many researchers have shed lights on employment issues and some of them
have also emphasised on the HRM issues among many business organisations.
However, in this research, both the variables have been correlated and analysed in a
systematic way. This aspect has been absent in the previous researchers. Along with
this, past research has been conducted in general perspective whereas this research
has provided a view of present scenario with main focus on one company used as an
example. Along with this, the challenges are also discussed in order to provide effective
recommendations for better practices.

1.7 Summary
A clear analysis of this chapter enables us to underst
recruitment policies and the importance of the programmes that a company should
introduce in the working area to provid
guidance and tools for the managers to have a better access t
regarding the functions of the company. In this chapter, the intention of the study is
identified for the purpose of improving it. The main agenda of providing the basic motive
of the research is to highlight the current issues regarding t
basis of this information, the research has been continued with literature review in the
next chapter.
1.8 Structure of the dissertation
Figure 1: Structure of dissertation
(Source: Created by researcher)
A clear analysis of this chapter enables us to understand the relevance of the HR
recruitment policies and the importance of the programmes that a company should
introduce in the working area to provide a better working environment.
guidance and tools for the managers to have a better access to the management
regarding the functions of the company. In this chapter, the intention of the study is
identified for the purpose of improving it. The main agenda of providing the basic motive
of the research is to highlight the current issues regarding the HR Practices and on the
basis of this information, the research has been continued with literature review in the
Structure of the dissertation
Figure 1: Structure of dissertation
(Source: Created by researcher)
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and the relevance of the HR
recruitment policies and the importance of the programmes that a company should
e a better working environment. It provides the
o the management
regarding the functions of the company. In this chapter, the intention of the study is
identified for the purpose of improving it. The main agenda of providing the basic motive
he HR Practices and on the
basis of this information, the research has been continued with literature review in the

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Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
The current chapter providing an overview of the issue of Human resource management
practices in different organisation. Along with this chapter also shed lights on the
existing problems in performance enhancements among the employees in order to
increase the production and employee satisfaction. In order to critically evaluate these
issues and practices in the UK business organisations, the researcher has conducted a
theoretical analysis for getting an effective outcome.
2.2 Concept of different HR policies and practices
Human resource management is one of the most significant aspects of management
which looks after employee issue, their needs to perform work, retention and
recruitment process. According to Akter and Wamba (2016, p.173), in order to perform
a human resource management practice, the managers develop different kinds of
policies such as Regulatory policies. The aim of the regulatory policy is to look after the
disciplines of a company and their impact on the employee sustainability. As opined by
Anderson et al. (2014, p.1298) that equal opportunity for employees and employers will
help a company to maintain their sustainability and reputation. The outcome of the
employees, retention, and recruitments are generally depending on the strategies of
human resource policies and their payment strategies. In 55% companies especially in
case of SME firms, the employees are suffering from over-allocation of work without
proper payments.
About 54% CEOs have planned to increase their employee count by 2018 from 52%
than in 2017 (independent.co, 2018). Critically Anitha (2014, p.308) argued that the
most important HR policy is to promote good work experience with satisfactory payment
opportunities for all employees in an organisation. As for this reason, HR management
requires looking after the payment of overtime, regularity in remuneration payment,
keeping time records, anti-discrimination among the organisations. On the contrary,