Investigating the Effects of Inclusive HRM Practices in Attainment of Competitive Benefits for Clarks

INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF
INCLUSIVE HUMAN RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN ATTINMENT
OF COMPETITIVE BENEFITS FOR CLARKS
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ABSTRACT
Main aim of this dissertation is to identify the impact of inclusive HRM practices on
organisational performance while attaining competitive advantages. Mixed methods have been
followed for attuning this purpose. With the help of qualitative data, researchers gathered in-
depth data and by using quantitative research, they gathered first hand data. Therefore, the main
findings of this research are that HRM practices are important for companies in accomplishment
of competitive advantages. Main conclusion and recommendation of this dissertation is cost-
leadership, differentiation and focus are important strategies for a company.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am thankful to my tutor who gave me a chance to conduct a dissertation on inclusive
HRM practices and its implication in attainment of competitive advantages.
I express my special thanks to my family members and friends who gave me accurate
guidance and support that helped me in successfully completing a full dissertation.
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GLOSSARY
1. Competitive edge
2. HRM- Human resource management
3. Inclusive Practice
4. Porter’s five force model
5. Porter’s generic strategy
6. Positivism philosophy
7. Probability sampling
8. Qualitative and quantitative research
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CONTENTS PAGE
ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.............................................................................................................3
GLOSSARY....................................................................................................................................4
CONTENTS PAGE.........................................................................................................................5
LIST OF TABLES...........................................................................................................................7
LIST OF FIGURES.........................................................................................................................8
LIST OF APPENDICES..................................................................................................................9
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................10
Introduction to the topic.............................................................................................................10
Background of the company......................................................................................................10
Problem statement.....................................................................................................................11
Research aim and objectives......................................................................................................11
Research questions.....................................................................................................................12
Rationale and significance.........................................................................................................12
LITERATURE REVIEW..............................................................................................................13
What are the inclusive HRM practices in context of Clarks?....................................................13
What are the effective factors that would be used by Clarks for achieving competitive edge? 15
How inclusive human resource management practices are effective in achievement of
competitive advantage?.............................................................................................................16
What are the essential strategies for human resource management in accomplishing
competitive advantage for Clarks?............................................................................................18
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY..................................................................................................19
DATA ANALYSIS.......................................................................................................................22
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................................36
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................37
APPENDIX 1.................................................................................................................................40
Blank copy of questionnaire......................................................................................................40
APPENDIX 2.................................................................................................................................41
Completed Questionnaire..........................................................................................................41
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Knowledge regarding the inclusive practices of human resource management..............23
Table 2: Main inclusive practices of human resource management followed by Clarks..............24
Table 3: Benefits of using inclusive practices of human resource management for Clarks..........25
Table 4: Inclusive practices of human resource management facilitates Clarks in attainment of
competitive advantages..................................................................................................................26
Table 5: Determining factors of Clarks responsible for creating competitive advantage.............26
Table 6: Main functions of human resource management.............................................................28
Table 7: Human resource management play a significant part for the growth and success of
Clarks.............................................................................................................................................29
Table 8: Effective strategies for Clarks in achieving competitive advantage................................29
Table 9: Main challenges that would be faced by Clarks without the use of inclusive HRM
practices within an organisation....................................................................................................30
Table 10: Effective ways for overcoming those challenges associated with inclusive HRM
practices for Clarks........................................................................................................................31
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1..........................................................................................................................................23
Figure 2..........................................................................................................................................24
Figure 3..........................................................................................................................................25
Figure 4..........................................................................................................................................26
Figure 5..........................................................................................................................................27
Figure 6..........................................................................................................................................28
Figure 7..........................................................................................................................................29
Figure 8..........................................................................................................................................30
Figure 9..........................................................................................................................................31
Figure 10........................................................................................................................................32
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