The extent to which high performance work practices can be applied effectively to the Malta public service : a case study of the Department of Contracts

Abstract

HRM is a tool by which managers compete to achieve competitive advantage for their organisation. The innovative approach to HRM is HPWP; a holistic approach which gains extra benefits for organisations in the form of enhanced employee performance which tends to increase unproportionally. This dissertation aims to provide insight into the impact HPWP may have on the Malta Public Service in general and the Department of Contracts in particular. This study reviews the HR strategy of the Malta Public Service and analyses employees' perceptions, beliefs and emotions with regards to the current HR practices. For further perspective, the Head of the Department of Management of the University of Malta was consulted to learn more about the possible implementation of HPWP within the Malta Public Service. The data for the purposes of this research dissertation were collected through nine in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews. Furthermore, this dissertation makes reference to theoretical foundations available in books, articles, journals and websites related to the subject matter. Through the research conducted, it was discovered that the culture of the Malta Public Service in general and that of the Department of Contracts in particular are not ideal for the implementation of HPWP. However, the researcher identified an immediate to long-term roadmap which may be implemented immediately and which suggests that the Department of Contracts should change its culture towards a task culture, create the role of HR manager, integrate its business and HR strategy vertically and act in a unitary approach. This roadmap will thus make the structure of the MPS and the Department of Contracts more ideal to benefit from the holistic effects of implementing HPWP.