Journal of Management Policies and Practices

Human Resources Practices in Banks Incorporated in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Dr. Vijayalaxmi Moovala

Abstract
This study on the HR practices in banks incorporated in Bahrain stemmed from two important aspects; 1) the banking sector being a key sector in Bahrain and 2) the role the HR function plays in the success of the banking sector. The study covered main HR mechanisms like HR strategy and culture, HR and talent planning, recruitment and selection, learning and development, compensation and benefits, performance appraisals and other key support policies. An average of 50% of the banks sampled for this study indicated that ‘most of the time’ their senior managers’ support best HR practices and have a proactive approach to people management. About 33% of the banks indicated that ‘most of the time ‘they are taking proactive measures to retain employees. Though most of the banks (83%) have a formal performance appraisal method for all jobs/levels, only 8% of them indicated that the appraisals were conducted in a professional manner and that the appraisal decisions were fair. Half of the sample banks have a salary range for all jobs, and 33% of them expressed that the compensation and benefits policy is a hybrid; i.e. they pay the highest in the market for some jobs and for others they match the salaries in the market. Overall the findings revealed that the key HR mechanisms as assessed through various dimensions were being implemented ‘most of the time’ or ‘sometimes’ in the sample banks.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jmpp.v2n3a6