Sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM) Practices for Boosting the Worker Productivity in Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka: Validation of a New HRM Model

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify Sustainable Human Resource Management Practices (SHRMPs) which enhance worker productivity and to validate a Human Resource Management (HRM) model, derived by the authors in previous qualitative studies. The study surveyed 850 randomly selected employees from sixty tea estates in Sri Lanka. Data analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling derived a sustainable HRM model which includes knowledge management and human care practices as the determinants of worker productivity, while Quality of life and Work-life practices mediated the relationship. As a unique finding, knowledge sustainability (KS) identified as a new construct impacted positively on worker productivity. Theoretical and policy implications are also discussed.