Performance and profile: a twofold bank profitability riddle

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine whether a relation between employees’ profile and bank branch profitability holds in the Greek banking sector. Employees’ profile may include education, training, work experience, age and place of origin/living. In addition, it is examined whether high employee performance is related to profitable bank branches. Design/methodology/approach – The case of a Greek cooperative bank is selected with a network of 49 branches and a sample of 258 bank branch employees. Secondary data are collected from the bank’s human resources department database and electronic archives in reference to the year 2011. The methodology used in the research includes descriptive analysis, discriminant analysis and binominal logistic regression analysis. Findings – There are specific employees’ profile features relating to efficient performance that affect bank branch profitability. The findings highlight the importance of recruiting in accordance to a bank’s skills requirements and the significant role of alternative training programs, motivation and performance evaluation systems in augmenting a bank’s overall profitability. Originality/value – This research is the first attempt to combine and connect particular employee characteristics with efficient performance. It is also the first time that this particular bank, sample and data are examined and analyzed to serve the purpose of this research.