Malaysian Manufacturing Research Articles

The Impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices (GHRMPs) on Turnover Intention (TI): Moderated by Work-Health Balance (WHB) and Work-Family Balance (WFB)

This study aims to investigate the direct relationships between GHRMPs (GR, GTT, GRA and GI) and TI, the indirect relationship between GHRMPs and TI through the moderation role of each WHB and WFB. This study conducted amongst the employees of Malaysian manufacturing industry. The study employed the quantitative method with a population of 2.8 million employees in the main four manufacturing hubs in Malaysia (Penang, Kulim, Klang Valley, and Johor), the representative sample attained 403 employees from the different hubs mentioned. The data analyzed descriptively via SPSS and the hypothesis tested using AMOS. The findings of this research as there is a statistical significant and negative (Reducing TI) influence of GHRMPs (GR, GTT, GRA and GI) on TI in the Malaysian manufacturing industry. There is a statistical significant negative (Reducing TI) influence of the moderator WFB on the relationship between GHRMPs (GR, GTT, GRA and GI) and TI in the Malaysian manufacturing industry. There is a statistical significant negative (Reducing TI) influence of the moderator WHB on the relationship between GHRMPs (GR, GTT and GRA) and TI in the Malaysian manufacturing industry. While There is a statistical insignificant positive (Increasing TI) influence of the moderator WHB on the relationship between GI and TI in the Malaysian manufacturing industry.

Innovative Marketing Strategies in the Competitive Economic Environment in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Case Study of Top Glove Manufacturers in Malaysia

Objective: The aim is to identify the key marketing strategies implemented by the manufacturers to achieve growth and sustainable development goals (SDGs) market leadership by glove-producing companies in Malaysia in the highly competitive global marketplace. Theoretical Framework: This paper contributes to the existing literature on the marketing strategies practiced in the manufacturing industries, mainly focusing on the glove manufacturing industry in Malaysia, which ranks as the global supplier of hand gloves in the industrial and medical categories. Taken in total, this work provides a refined appreciation of marketing and innovation’s relationship within a particular sector, and it does so by examining how those Malaysian glove makers who contest global markets leverage creativity in their marketing strategies in response to supply chain interruptions, approving bodies, and shifts in international buying trends. Methodology: Following a case study approach, this study focuses on large glove manufacturers in Malaysia; Top Glove is a crucial player. Hence, secondary sources will be adopted during the data collection stage. Perceptual data is also gathered from workers of key executives, marketing managers, and other industry professionals, which gives a picture of these business entities' marketing campaigns and strategic decision-making procedures. Industry journals, company reports, and market study papers validate secondary data. Results and Discussion: This study reveals that policymakers, manufacturing businesses, and marketing scholars can learn about the necessity of niche-based policies and friendly legal environments to boost innovation and competitiveness within manufacturing industries. It provides recommendations on creating a favorable climate for employing innovative marketing strategies and the possible enlargement of home-based businesses internationally. Originality/Value: Based on the findings and insights gathered from the research on innovative marketing strategies in the competitive global economic environment, particularly focusing on the case study of top glove manufacturers in Malaysia, several recommendations can be proposed to guide businesses in enhancing their marketing approaches and organizational performance

Unlocking New Product Performance Through Market Orientation and Firm Capabilities in Malaysian Manufacturing SMEs

In Malaysia, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are critical to the economic transformation as they form the key domestic source of growth and the bedrock of private sector activity. Moreover, SMEs are also important in stimulating innovation and stabilizing growth during the economic slowdown. Therefore, this paper investigates how the relationships between a firm’s market orientation and its new product performance are mediated by such capabilities (marketing and technological capabilities). Embedded in the firm's Resource-based View (RBV), a theoretical framework for new product performance was developed. The empirical results demonstrate that a firm’s market orientation positively impacts new product performance. Also confirms that marketing capabilities do have a direct impact on new product performance. Besides, marketing capabilities serve as an indirect-only mediator (full mediation) for the relationship between market orientation and new product performance. A clear message for managers and owners is that they should develop strong firm capabilities to achieve superior new product performance.

Evaluating the Role of Institutional Quality in the Relationship Between Education Expenditure and Manufacturing Growth: Insights from Quantile Regression Models

This study aims to provide empirical insight into the role of institutional quality and its impact on the relationship between expenditure on education and the growth of manufacturing in Malaysia. The study employed time series data from 1984 to 2020, using a quantile regression model for three quantiles: 25%, 50%, and 75%. The results showed that government spending on education (GXE) had a negative and statistically significant effect on manufacturing sector growth (MSG) on all quantiles in both interaction and non-interaction models. This may indicate a lack of quality, allocation, and efficiency in government expenditure and its targeting. However, the interaction effect between government spending on education and institutional quality (INTC GXE&IQI) on manufacturing sector growth (MSG) provided a consistently positive effect across all quantiles. This positive interaction means that the effect of education spending on manufacturing sector growth is conditional on the quality of institutions. The positive coefficients indicate that when government spending aligns with robust institutional frameworks, it effectively stimulates growth within the manufacturing sector. This phenomenon may be attributed to effective institutions amplifying the impact of government expenditure by ensuring efficient fund utilization for intended purposes. Policies aimed at strengthening institutions' quality —such as improving bureaucracy, enhancing transparency, and combating corruption—can enhance the efficacy of education expenditure, which supports the long-term and sustainable growth of the manufacturing sector.

A Study on Safety Non-Compliance in Malaysia's Manufacturing Sector from the Workers’ Perspective

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the factors contributing to non-compliance with safe work procedures among workers in the manufacturing sector in Malaysia. The study involved in-depth interviews with five participants, using a qualitative research approach, and the data obtained were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that the factors contributing to non-compliance include the perception of discomfort with safe work procedures, time pressure, lack of training, insufficient supervision, and discomfort with safety equipment. In response to these findings, the study proposes the Effective Compliance Model, which incorporates elements such as enhanced training programs, provision of more ergonomic safety equipment, active supervision, a balance between productivity and safety goals, and a continuous feedback system. The implementation of the Effective Compliance Model is expected to improve compliance with safe work procedures, reduce the risk of accidents, and foster a better safety culture in the manufacturing sector. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the issue of non-compliance in the manufacturing sector and serve as a foundation for further research and the development of more effective workplace safety strategies. ABSTRAK Kajian ini bertujuan meneroka faktor-faktor yang menyumbang kepada ketidakpatuhan terhadap prosedur kerja selamat dalam kalangan pekerja sektor pembuatan di Malaysia. Kajian ini melibatkan temu bual mendalam dengan lima orang peserta, menggunakan pendekatan penyelidikan kualitatif, dan data yang diperoleh dianalisis secara tematik. Hasil kajian mendedahkan bahawa faktor-faktor yang menyumbang kepada ketidakpatuhan adalah persepsi ketidakselesaan terhadap prosedur kerja selamat, tekanan masa, kekurangan latihan, penyeliaan yang tidak mencukupi, serta ketidakselesaan dengan peralatan keselamatan. Sebagai tindak balas kepada penemuan ini, kajian mencadangkan Model Pematuhan Berkesan yang menggabungkan elemen-elemen seperti program latihan yang dipertingkatkan, penyediaan peralatan keselamatan yang lebih ergonomik, penyeliaan yang aktif, keseimbangan antara produktiviti dan matlamat keselamatan, serta sistem maklum balas yang berterusan. Pelaksanaan Model Pematuhan Berkesan dijangka dapat meningkatkan tahap pematuhan terhadap prosedur kerja selamat, mengurangkan risiko kemalangan, dan seterusnya memupuk budaya keselamatan yang lebih baik dalam sektor pembuatan. Dapatan kajian ini memberikan pandangan mendalam mengenai isu ketidakpatuhan dalam sektor pembuatan dan menyediakan asas untuk kajian lanjut serta pembangunan strategi keselamatan pekerjaan yang lebih berkesan.

Implementation Barriers to Process Innovation among Malaysian Manufacturing SMEs: A Review

Process innovation is widely recognised as a crucial driver of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The SMEs that could not rapidly evolve core business strategies may become uncompetitive owing to obsolete products and processes. Hence, SMEs should consider the potential benefits of refining current processes apart from focusing on existing product offerings. Fostering process innovation could significantly improve competitiveness, efficiency, and plant visibility. Nonetheless, most SMEs struggle to implement efficient and effective process innovations in existing production operations. The current study aims to review the barriers encountered by manufacturing SMEs to facilitate process innovation.

Moderating Effect of Coaching Between Leadership, Culture and Work-Life Balance with Job Satisfaction in Malaysia

Objective: The purpose of the research is to examine the moderating role of coaching on employee job satisfaction within the Malaysian manufacturing sector. The independent variables are transformational leadership, organizational culture and work-life balance. Thus, research investigates the connections between the independent variables and employee job satisfaction as the dependent variable, with a specific focus on the moderating impact of coaching. Theoretical Framework: The underpinning study uses Theory X and Theory Y where empowering managers foster positive relationships with their employees and improved productivity. Method: Through a quantitative analysis and the 400 questionnaires was successfully collected using snowball sampling. The data is being analysed using SPSS software to perform Pearson correlations and regression. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal positive correlations between variables and job satisfaction. Coaching also significantly mediates the job satisfaction. The implications extend beyond the manufacturing sector, providing valuable insights for organizations seeking to cultivate positive work environments and achieve overall organizational success. Research Implications: The study advances scholarly knowledge by closing a gap in the literature on job satisfaction of Malaysian manufacturing workers. Prior to this study, no empirical investigation on the function of coaching as a moderator in the relationship between particular traits and employee work satisfaction in Malaysian manufacturing could be found. In essence, by including coaching into these areas, Malaysian manufacturing companies can raise employee job satisfaction. By means of coaching strategies, leaders enable employees to guide and support them, offer timely feedback, and promote personal development, so enhancing employee performance, job satisfaction, and Malaysian manufacturing companies. Originality/Value: The concept of the study examined the understanding for what coaching can moderate the relationship between leadership, organizational culture, and work-life balance with job satisfaction in Malaysia. This topic is particularly relevant to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Enhancing job satisfaction can lead to higher productivity and economic growth.

Mediating Effect of Psychological Empowerment Between Perceived Organizational Support and Job Satisfaction Among Engineers in Malaysia

Objective: This research study aims to examine the factors influencing job satisfaction among engineers in Malaysia manufacturing industry. The factors consist of direct compensation, job security, perceived organizational support and mediating role of psychological empowerment. Theoretical Framework: The Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Herzberg’s two-factor theories were employed in the research and interpret the findings. Method: A quantitative research method was employed to examine the relationships between variables through survey collected from respondents that working in various manufacturing firms across Malaysia. The study utilized a structured questionnaire distributed among 384 respondents via digital platform such as Google questionnaires. This study employed convenient sampling method to ensure representation across different manufacturing sectors. The cross-sectional approach was utilized to capture a snapshot of job satisfaction and its causes at a particular point in time, reflecting current attitudes and influences in Malaysia's manufacturing industry. The data collected will be analyzed using SPSS software for both the pilot test and data analysis. Pearson Correlation, Multiple Regression and PROCESS macro will use to examine the significant relationships between variables and hypothesized relationships. Results and Discussion: The findings show that there are strong positive relationship between direct compensation, job security, perceived organizational support and job satisfaction among engineers. Also, psychological empowerment was revealed as a key mediator to strengthening the link between perceived organizational support and job satisfaction. Research Implications: The results hold practical implications for organizational management and policymakers seeking to increase job satisfaction among engineers. The recommendations include fair and competitive wage structures, ensuring job security through transparent recruiting procedures, creating supportive organizational climates and empowering people to increase job satisfaction.

Leader Attention to Information and Sustainability Performance

In contemporary business practice, sustainability has emerged as a focal point for understanding value creation. This study examines how leader attention influences sustainability performance. Specifically, it investigates two dimensions of leader attention: search intensity, which pertains to the depth and thoroughness of exploration, and search selection, which involves the criteria used to prioritize sustainability issues. This study employed a quantitative approach utilizing a survey methodology. Data collection of 30 SMEs was conducted through a postal survey, targeting the Malaysian service sector listed in the directory of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM). Data is analyzed using PLS-SEM to investigate perceptions regarding leader attention towards corporate sustainability performance. Employing the ABV theory, the findings indicate that search intensity positively impacts both corporate financial and non-financial performance, highlighting the importance of comprehensive information-gathering and analysis processes. However, the study does not find a significant relationship between search selection and financial performance, suggesting a limited impact of specific information search strategies. These results underscore the pivotal role of leader attention in shaping organizational sustainability performance. The study contributes to understanding how leader attention enhances sustainability and provides valuable insights for organizations. Despite its contributions, future research could explore mechanisms through which search intensity influences financial outcomes and consider moderating factors across industries and regions. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and comprehensive information search processes for corporate financial and non-financial performance in today's information-rich environment.

Linking Green Innovation and Business Sustainability: The Mediating Role of Strategic Thinking

Our planet’s growth, progress, and prosperity can be facilitated through innovation, knowledge, and thinking, and such facilitators may also assist in reversing the damage our planet has been experiencing throughout the years. The article determines the relationship between managerial innovation, process innovation, product innovation, and business sustainability among large manufacturing firms in Malaysia with mediating effect of strategic thinking. After extant literature, a research model was developed to examine the formulated study hypotheses, tested on data obtained from 208 large Malaysian manufacturing firms using partial least square-structural equation modeling. The findings showed that the two dimensions of green innovation significantly affected the business sustainability of large manufacturing firms but not green process innovation. Also, green managerial innovation significantly affected strategic thinking but not green process innovation and green product innovation. Strategic thinking also significantly affected business sustainability and fully mediated the green process innovation dimension GPCI but had no mediating effect on green managerial innovation and green product innovation. These results are expected to enlighten researchers and managers of large manufacturing firms concerning the topic under discussion. In addition, this article will assist academicians to understand the influence of managerial innovation, process innovation, product innovation, and business sustainability among large manufacturing firms in Malaysia.

Digital transformation in Malaysian manufacturing: a study of change sensing and seizing capabilities

Digital transformation in Malaysian manufacturing: a study of change sensing and seizing capabilities

TRIZ-Informed Intervention Framework for Sustainable 4IR Adoption in Malaysian Manufacturing and Related Services (MRS) Industries

TRIZ-Informed Intervention Framework for Sustainable 4IR Adoption in Malaysian Manufacturing and Related Services (MRS) Industries

Continual Improvement (CI) Lean Culture Continuous Quality and Cost Saving in Malaysia Manufacturing & Engineering (M&E) Companies

Lean sustainability is often perceived to only be possible to be maintained via small group application of lean culture that carry out improvement activities. The purpose of this case study is thus to examine the success factors of inculcating lean culture framework by lean practitioners in Malaysian Manufacturing and Engineering (ME) companies that faced inconsistencies in implementing and sustaining lean. The impact of lean culture framework practiced by Small Group Improvement Activities (SGIA) was analysed via productivity improvement methodologies comprises of semi-structured interviews and analysis of 633 Small Group Improvement Activities (SGIA) project reports in establishing a final lean culture framework that can contribute to the longevity of a lean company. The improved lean culture framework that had been extended to other strategic business units (SBU) in ME companies are found to be the positive factor contributing to the sustainability of lean culture and achieving tangible and intangible benefits via small group improvement activities, enhancement standard which include companies’ policy, as well as providing a guideline in problem solving methodology. The findings revealed that enhancement of inculcating lean framework is crucially in need especially in expanding the initiatives across ME companies via a systematic and standardised problem-solving methodology. This study intends to aid organisations, practitioners, academicians, and respective industries in benchmarking the best practises and at the same time further reduce the gap and continually improve the lean culture framework in other compass industries.

Key factors affecting employee job satisfaction in Malaysian manufacturing firms post COVID-19 pandemic: a Delphi study

Key factors affecting employee job satisfaction in Malaysian manufacturing firms post COVID-19 pandemic: a Delphi study

Ambidextrous Leadership and Innovation Capabilities Correlation: The Moderating Role of Financial Literacy in Malaysian Manufacturing SMEs

Ambidextrous Leadership and Innovation Capabilities Correlation: The Moderating Role of Financial Literacy in Malaysian Manufacturing SMEs

Driving sustainability in industry 5.0 through sociotechnical approach of quality management

Industry 4.0 is primarily driven by technology, while Industry 5.0 (I5.0) places more emphasis on the interaction between human (socio) and technology (technical) aspects in shaping sustainability. Although I5.0 represents a burgeoning area of research, however, there remains a paucity of research on the sociotechnical perspective of quality management (QM) and sustainability in I5.0. This study intends to investigate the direct and indirect effects of socio-technical components of QM on sustainable performance through agile manufacturing, as well as the moderating role of firm size on these relationships. Data is gathered from 298 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through a survey approach employing proportionate stratified sampling techniques. The findings support the socio-technical view of QM in Industry 5.0. Unexpectedly, employee education and training has no significant role in enhancing technical QM practices. Furthermore, QM and agile manufacturing are crucial to achieving sustainable performance in manufacturing SMEs. Finally, firm size has played a significant role as a moderating variable, particularly in I5.0. Based on the findings, the study offers novel theoretical contributions and practical implications by shedding light on the nuanced role of QM and agile manufacturing on sustainability within Malaysian manufacturing SMEs.

Exploring the Impact of Employee Green Behaviour, and Green HRM on Environmental Performance? The Significance of Green Innovation and Moral Credit

Objective - At this time, there has been an increasing emphasis devoted to the actions and behaviour of employees at their places of employment as a major factor of environmental issues. Because of this, organizations are starting to implement a wide variety of programs aimed at protecting the environment and implementing green approaches. Moreover, the factors that determine employees' green behaviour (EGB) and green human resource management (GHRM) still need further exploration. Methodology/Technique – The current study gives an understanding by exploring the factors that influence green innovation (GI) and the environmental performance of organizations (OEP). This study data was acquired from 545 employees working in Malaysia's manufacturing sector using the quantitative research approach. Finding – It was examined using PLS-SEM. In addition, it was determined that EGB, GHRM, and GI all had a significant positive relationship with OEP. It is important to note that (GI) also acts as a mediator in the interaction between EGB, GHRM, and OEP. Moreover, the association between GI and OEP has been investigated with moral credit serving as a moderator, and the findings confirmed the positive association. Looking at these relationships with OEP and GI to assess their mediation effects is a unique element of this study that significantly contributes to the existing body of research on EGB and GHRM. Novelty – Furthermore, it provides directions for decision-makers on optimizing green employee behaviour and human resource management in their workplaces, ultimately leading to green innovation to improve organizational environmental performance. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: M10, M12, J24. Keywords: Employee green behaviour; green human resource management; green innovation; moral credit; organizational environmental performance. Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Ismail, F; Imran, M. (2024). Exploring the Impact of Employee Green Behaviour, and Green HRM on Environmental Performance? The Significance of Green Innovation and Moral Credit, GATR-Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review, 12(2), 56–66. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2024.12.2(1)

The Impact of Viable Supply Chain Management on Sustainability in Malaysian Manufacturing Companies during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Impact of Viable Supply Chain Management on Sustainability in Malaysian Manufacturing Companies during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Measuring Structural Power in Global Value Chains: Evidence from Malaysian Manufacturing

The global value chain (GVC), as the most important feature and driving force of globalisation has profoundly shaped state–market relations, as well as the international political economy. This paper uses Malaysia as a case study to demonstrate a country’s embedding structural power in GVC. Deploying the OECD’s Inter-Country Input-Output Table from 1995 to 2018, two indicators were constructed, namely power of value added (PV) and interaction of value added (IV), to measure Malaysia’s structural power in GVC. The results indicate that Malaysia’s PV in GVCs has declined over the years. A combination of high GVC participation but low GVC position indicates that Malaysia’s export sector remains stuck in low value-added activities despite being highly integrated into global production networks. Also examined is the value-added interaction between Malaysia and major economic powers, such as the US, China and Japan. In so doing, we provide an evolutionary explanation of Malaysia’s location in the international political economic system where economic and political power are increasingly intertwined.

Sustainable practices in Malaysian manufacturing: The influence of CSR, transformational leadership, and green organizational culture on environmental performance

In an era marked by increasing environmental concerns, this study investigates the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR), transformational leadership (TL), and green organizational culture (GOC) on the environmental performance of the Malaysian manufacturing sector. Utilizing the resource-based view and ability-motivation-opportunity theory, this study explores GOC's mediating role between CSR, TL, and environmental outcomes, offering insights into enhancing sustainability in manufacturing. Through a survey of 375 Malaysian manufacturing professionals from October 2022 to January 2023 and using Structural Equation Modeling for analysis, the research confirms that CSR, TL, and GOC significantly enhance environmental performance. It highlights the critical role of transformational leadership in driving sustainability efforts and the positive influence of a green culture. This study contributes practical strategies for managers and policymakers to merge leadership, culture, and social responsibility in promoting environmental sustainability. Emphasizing the benefits for the Malaysian economy, it advocates for manufacturing firms to incorporate these findings into their CSR strategies, fostering a culture and leadership conducive to superior environmental results. This approach is vital for aligning with sustainable development goals, thereby boosting both ecological and economic growth.