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| The Parliament of Sri Lanka |
Introduction
Politician's in Sri Lanka are usually very powerful figures who have the ability to greatly affect the country's social, economic, and organizational atmospheres. This is quite common in Asian countries where public servants act as if they are sole properties of communities, ethnic or religious groups which is highly debatable.
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| Cartoon by RC Pradeep, The Sunday Morning |
Having mentioned that, given the country’s reliance on public services and government organizations, the adoption of human resource management (HRM) principles by politicians could have a transformative impact.
Human Resource Management practices like communication, leadership, motivation, performance appraisal are key not just to private corporations, but to the public sector, which ultimately fuels national development.
Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
If HRM is implemented properly in the government sector, including the Parliament in Sri Lanka, the efficiency and productivity will be greatly improved. Good HRM practices lead to a more dedicated and qualified staff and better delivery of public services. Politicians need to focus more on integrating employee motivation and engagement strategies so that all of these civil servants are committed to their jobs and share in the government's vision. According to Armstrong (2016), motivated employees tend to be more productive and exhibit higher levels of commitment, a principle that, if adopted, can transform public sector operations.
Leadership Development and Succession Planning
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| Cartoon by RC Pradeep, The Morning |
The HRM principles all focus on leadership development and succession planning, the two things that keep good governance alive. In the Sri Lankan context, this is especially important given the need for consistent, strategic leadership in public administration. If politicians would use these HRM strategies then they could develop future leaders in government and stop the constant disruption that results from turnover due to political transition. According to the research, good leadership development programs are associated with good management and smooth transition in service (northouse, 2018).
Transparency and Accountability
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| Cartoon by Sajith Bandara |
Human resource management also promotes accountability, and that is the key in fighting corruption and keeping the faith of the public. HRM also promotes accountability by conducting periodic performance appraisals and keeping lines of communication open. That openness in turn strengthens the faith between the people and the government officials in Sri Lanka. Paine (2019) contends that the use of HRM practices in public service fosters ethical behavior and an accountability culture, which is especially relevant to third world countries.
Conclusion
Human resource (HR) management in the government sector of Sri Lanka has been criticized for a lack of effectiveness in areas such as recruitment, training, and performance appraisal.
However, the Public Administration Division of the Ministry of Public Administration is working to improve HR management through a number of initiatives, including:
Digitalization: Using new public management and digital government methods to create programs that improve efficiency, productivity, and transparency
Reengineering processes: Replacing outdated methodologies with new processes that minimize unnecessary work steps and delays
Developing information technology systems: Creating online platforms for HR management
Resource: https://www.pubad.gov.lk
Moreover a Strategic application of HRM in the political and public administration of Sri Lanka would result in better quality of service, continuity and transparency. This can lay the groundwork for a more effective, moral, and humane form of government, and in turn, aid in the development of the nation.
Case studies
Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksha
Bangladesh in 2024
References
Armstrong, M. (2016). Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. Kogan Page.
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage publications.
Paine, L. S. (2019). Value Shift: Why Companies Must Merge Social and Financial Imperatives to Achieve Superior Performance. McGraw Hill.
Great post on the importance of applying HRM principles in Sri Lanka's political and public sectors. It argues that if politicians adopt HR practices like leadership development, transparency, and employee motivation, it could enhance productivity, accountability, and continuity in public administration. Integrating these practices may foster a more ethical, efficient government, better serving the nation’s long-term development needs
ReplyDeleteThank you Fathima
Delete"This is a thought-provoking look at the influence of politicians in Sri Lanka and across Asia. Your post opens up a much-needed conversation on the responsibilities of public servants and the importance of fostering a more inclusive approach to leadership. Thanks for shedding light on such a critical issue!
ReplyDeleteDuly noted. Thanks Dinushi
DeleteThis blog provides a compelling argument for why Sri Lankan politicians should adopt HRM principles. It highlights how key practices like leadership development, transparency, and accountability could significantly improve public sector efficiency and strengthen trust in government. The insights on motivation and succession planning are especially relevant for creating a stable and ethical public administration. A thought-provoking read with valuable recommendations!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gemunu.
DeleteYou have highlighted some critical points about the importance of HRM in public administration, particularly in Sri Lanka. They rightly emphasize how leadership development and accountability through HRM practices can bring stability, continuity, and transparency to government operations. By aligning with modern HRM principles, such as digitalization and process reengineering, Sri Lanka's public administration can become more efficient, ethical, and responsive to the public. This piece effectively underscores the positive role HRM can play in fostering a government that is more accountable and supportive of sustainable development.
ReplyDeleteThank you Prasad. Indeed agreed
DeleteYou’ve made an important point about the influence of politicians in Sri Lanka and similar Asian countries. While political power can drive change, it’s crucial to question how such authority affects social, economic, and organizational environments, especially when public figures prioritize ethnic or religious affiliations over national unity and development.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tharaka
DeleteIt is very common specially in South Asia, the corrupted politicians and public service who does not care the Human Resource in public sector. Human Capital in public sector is the key driving force of a country toward success. Thus this strategies on educating politician with HR strategies will make a positive impact on countrys’ growth as well. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eranda
ReplyDeleteExcellent take ! HRM could transform the way Sri Lankan politicians operate by fostering leadership, enhancing communication, and creating a more inclusive, people-centric approach to governance.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ifham
ReplyDeleteThis article makes a compelling case for Sri Lankan politicians to embrace HRM principles. By fostering transparency, leadership development, and employee motivation, they can transform public administration, boost efficiency, and build public trust. Strategic HRM adoption could redefine governance and accelerate national development.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kaushi
DeleteVery timely topic in present days and efforts to reform HR management in Sri Lanka's government sector, such as digitalization, process reengineering, and IT system development, aim to address inefficiencies in recruitment, training, and performance appraisal. Strategic HRM application can enhance service quality, transparency, and governance, fostering national development.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dileesha
DeleteI agree with the blogger's content on the post regarding the least productive and inefficient organization, the Government of Sri Lanka. Strategic human resource tools and practices can play a significant role to prevent corruption, increase accountable public service, and streamline productivity and efficiency.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ayodya!
DeleteYou’ve highlighted some crucial aspects of HRM’s role in public administration, especially in the Sri Lankan context. Emphasizing leadership development and accountability through HRM practices is key to ensuring stability, transparency, and continuity in government operations. By integrating modern HRM principles like digitalization and process reengineering, Sri Lanka’s public administration can enhance efficiency, ethics, and responsiveness. This piece does an excellent job of showcasing how HRM can drive a more accountable and development-oriented government.
ReplyDeleteThank you Aqeel!
DeletePoliticians in Sri Lanka, like in many Asian countries, wield significant influence over social, economic, and organizational landscapes. This often leads to the perception that they represent specific communities or groups, a view that raises concerns about inclusivity and fairness in governance.
ReplyDeleteThank you Roshan. Yes agreed
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