Conference article

Hina Sohrab Kiani
Brian Rolfe Solution PVT LTD

Ali Ahsan
ZTE PAKISTAN PVT LTD \ CASE ISB PAKISTAN

Omama Khurshid
Pral, Pakistan

Ali Sajid
Case ISB, PAKISTAN

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Published in: 11th QMOD Conference. Quality Management and Organizational Development Attaining Sustainability From Organizational Excellence to SustainAble Excellence; 20-22 August; 2008 in Helsingborg; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 33:66, p. 773-781

Published: 2008-12-09

ISBN:

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Methodology: This research focuses on the factors that cause employee satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Initially factors affecting employee satisfaction were identified from the literature review. After this the relationship of employee satisfaction with quality and productivity was analyzed for organizations in Pakistan. A questionnaire was used in order to collect necessary data. This questionnaire highlighted the factors that are source of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. The questions used in the surveying tool; concerned general level of satisfaction of employees and the belief of top level managers and policy makers about the role of employee satisfaction on quality and productivity. It was ensured that questions were easy to understand; short and less time taking. The survey presented a range of options from 1 to 10 to employees for collecting their feedback. Lowest range depicted strong dissatisfaction and was given a ‘1’ weight age. Whereas highest range depicted strong satisfaction corresponding and was given a ‘10’ weight age. In addition to these questions having a range of options; general questions were also asked from employees in order to obtain understanding for their views. In order to carry out a meaningful; understandable and in-depth statistical analysis; questions were designed in a format that the response could then be easily translated into statistical figures for subsequent analysis.

Findings: Ahsan; Sajid and Wasim (2008) quote:“Pakistan’s IT industry is currently one of the top performers as compared to other industrial sectors within Pakistan. As per the findings of Ahsan (2008); despite the fact that Pakistan’s IT industry is competitive; its true potential is yet to be unfolded. Ahsan (2008); states that Pakistan’s so called competitive IT industry has to be in lined with the international performers (Particularly South Asian economies). A simple proof of this statement can be obtained from the fact that Pakistan’s general economy is 1/5th of Indian economy. This must be true for IT sector of both the economies as well; which; unfortunately is not the case as because Pakistan’s IT sector is currently 1/27th of the Indian IT Sector. Ahsan (2008) believes that partial reason of this unwanted difference may be revenue models; business practices and political situations of the two countries. Other than these Ahsan (2008) believes that several soft issues are also responsible for this industrial difference. Out of the soft issues ‘motivation’ is one such important factor.” (Note: When Ahsan (2008) says ‘Competitive’; it is with respect to other industries within Pakistan).

Argument given by Ahsan; Sajid and Wasim (2008) related to the role of motivation as an imperative soft issue for revitalizing workforce can also be reproduced for the discussion concerning the role of ‘Basic Employee Satisfaction’ as an organization productivity and quality enhancement tool. Employees; being an integral asset of the organizations; impact organizations in accomplishment of their objectives. The impact of employee satisfaction in software industry of Pakistan is relatively less known but plays significant role. This paper analyzes the major causes of employee satisfaction and the impact of employee satisfaction on quality and productivity dimensions in the software organizations in Pakistan. Much of the literature reveals that factors like for instance pay; career growth; encouragement; feedback; job interest and work environment influence employee satisfaction directly and therefore affect quality and productivity in one way or another. This paper argues that management in Pakistan’s IT organizations should focus on factors affecting the employee satisfaction and manage workforce accordingly.

Limitations: Most of the discussion has been restricted to the factors; already identified in previous research and literature. Survey is conducted only for the IT organizations in Islamabad.

Originality/Value: As said earlier; findings of this research can be used to bring improvements in the work being done in the IT industry. This may serve as a valuable contribution in uplifting the IT economy of Pakistan.

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