July – September 2010

Vol 8.2 July – September 2010
ISSN 0855-9163

Price: 5.00

Articles in this Issue

International Human Resource Management

Mr. Kofi Datsa

Abstract

A good number of companies have resorted to sought growth through expansion beyond their national borders to take advantage of globalisation and this has resulted in an ever increasing number of large multinational companies (MNCs). These companies however need to adapt to the peculiarities of their new business environments in order to succeed and human resource management is key to their success or otherwise. This paper draws on International Human Resource Management (IHRM) practices and theories and highlights similarities and differences between the United Kingdom and Ghana as a host country. The article also discusses some of the key issues that MNC human resource managers will have to come to grips with once they locate in Ghana, given the pivotal role that human resource management plays in almost every progressive and successful company.

Leveraging Sustainable Competitive Advantage Through Employee Competency in The Sawmill Industry in Ghana

Opoku Kwame Felix

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the role of organizational competency in leveraging sustainable competitive advantage for firms in the sawmill industry in Ghana. The main objective of the study was to determine whether firms in the sawmill industry can improve their competitive position on the international market by establishing and developing the individual and collective set of competencies available to the organization. A hypothesis test was carried out to examine the influence of organizational competency (the independent variable) on competitive advantage (the dependent variable). The chisquare statistical technique was used for the test at the significance level of 0.05. The result of the test indicated that the observed value of 38.3 was greater than the critical value of 26.3, meaning that competitive a d v a n t a g e v a r i e s d i r e c t l y wi t h organizational competency.

Love and Justice: Opposed or Complementary?

Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Apea

Abstract

This article was prompted by two incidents; one domestic, the other, political. The domestic one was the concern resulting from diametrically opposing views on “fairness”, implicit in the motives under lying behaviour s expres sed simultaneously by a child and his mother. The political event was the worldwide, diverse reactions that supporters and opponents exhibited in the aftermath of the execution of Iraq’s former president, the late Saddam Hussein. These incidents moved the writer to strive to examine his worldview of love and justice vis a vis God’s display of love toward humankind, beginning from Old Testament times, to date. The complexity of the words “love” and “justice”, which we use so freely in our day-to-day conversations, is evident. The human virtues, love and justice, appear to represent two sides of a coin; one without the other makes life incomplete. However, it is shown in this article that somet imes love and jus t i ce are complementary and at other times, they are not. Justice is more important in organisational matters whereas love operates best in personal relations. Having said this, it is also very evident that in

Global Economic Crisis – Survival Strategies for Developing Economies

Omane-Antwi K. B.

Abstract

From the debacle of America’s toxic subprime mortgage portfolios, to the virtual freezing of credit around the world, plunging stock markets and a sustained slowdown in consumer spending, the global financial crisis that took hold in 2008 shows little sign of let up. The intensification of the global financial crisis, following the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, has made the cur r ent e conomi c and f inanc ial environment a very difficult time for world economy, the global financial system and for central banks. The down turn is not discriminating against industry sectors, making it difficult to identify areas of strength. It looks like the global economic meltdown could create a long, painful quasi-depression, a period of mass unemployment, a calamitous drop in confidence and a continued credit-squeeze. Africa, apparently, is suffering from the global financial crises. The paper provides an overview of the proximate cause of the financial turbulence and discusses the impact on advanced economies, emerging and developing economies. The role of professional accountants in helping to restore business confidence in the midst of the global economic crisis is also discussed. (N.B –The paper was presented at the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA) international conference on “Global Economic Crisis – Survival Strategies for Developing Economies” held on November 12, 2009; Dakar, Senegal).

The Prosperity Gospel in Ghana and The Primal Imagination

Rev. Dr. Emmanuel K. Anim

Abstract

This paper makes the assertion that despite the significant influence of American neo-pentecostalism in shaping prosperity theology in the charismatic churches in Ghana, it is crucially important to note that the primal aspirations of prosperity also continue to play a significant role. Also that the thriving prosperity teaching in the charismatic ministries is largely due to the fact that the charismatics have tapped into fertile ground already nurtured by the traditional concept of prosperity, which is to be understood in terms of wealth, longevity and fertility or procreativity. In the African cosmology, the belief and pursuit of prosperity is paramount. Africans do not ‘honour’ or accept suffering or poverty, it is a battle they have always sought to fight, and the belief in the gods is primarily to ensure prosperity and well-being. Thus the influence of American-type prosperity teaching only served as a catalyst and also reinforced what was already prevailing in the matrix of the primal world-view. The focus of this prayer is centred on material prosperity, fertility (procreation) and long life (health), which cannot come about without the blessing of the divinities. Harmony with the divinities therefore becomes a prerequisite not only for physical and spiritual protection from evil forces but also for the enjoyment of good health, fertility and longevity.

Organisational Politics – A Human Resource Management Focus

Ms. Araba Nunoo

Abstract

Organizational politics is largely portrayed negatively. In the pursuit of ones career in organizations one cannot avoid playing by the rules of this game. It’s presence in every facet of corporate life demands that we give keen attention to the concept of organizational politics. This paper looks at organizational politics from ethical and unethical perspective; what is the impact of organizational politics on human relations and performance? How does it generally manifest itself in Ghanaian organizations, both public and private? Human resource management activities like recruitment and selection, training and development as well as career progression are a few of organization’s life that politics as an organizational phenomenon affects. Leader ship’ s role in energi z ing organizational politics in a positive direction is crucial for harmonizing individual and organizational goals. Key words: Organizational politics, political savvy, Nepotism, connection, paternalism