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HRM Competitive Advantage Dot
HRM Competitive Advantage Dot
Opal Ruiz
Analyzation of HRM polices for competitive advantage in the workforce; CIDOT HR policies
Abstract
Through the utilization of a literature this research paper is to analyze and identify HR practices
and policies which enable organizations to gain a competitive advantage in the work force. This
research paper will also provide an overview on the Cayman Islands Department of Tourisms,
vision, mission, values, and business objectives. The HR practices which will be discussed
throughout this paper include; non-financial and financial benefits such as work life balance,
development. The paper will then analyze the HR practices of the Cayman Islands Department of
Tourism which support the organization in achieving a competitive advantage as well as offer
suggestions on how the department can improve and implement HR practices to increase its
Introduction CIDOT
The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism was founded in 1974 and it presently falls under the
Ministry of District Administration, Tourism and Transport (CIDOT, 2016). The Ministry
manages and directs various activities for departments which have corresponding goals as it
relates to the protection of the environment, support of the local economy, and ultimately to
promote the Cayman Islands as the leading tourism destination for visitors (CIDOT, 2016). In
accordance with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Annual Report 2015-2016 CIDOT
is a public sector department that is responsible for the short and medium term strategic planning
The vision, mission, and values of CIDOT are very important and relevant to the
organization as it outlines the overall goals of the department which all employees should strive
towards attaining. The vision, mission, and values enables employees to understand how they
can contribute to the shared goals of the department it order to achieve its mission statement.
CIDOTs vision is to responsibly lead the tourism industry and position the Cayman Islands as
the warm weather destination of choice; which it turn leads to its mission which is to attract and
retain visitation to the Cayman Islands by developing and implementing sustainable policies and
initiatives for the benefit of all our people (CIDOT, 2016). Furthermore, CIDOTs values
encourages a culture of continuous improvement and in line with this, its values are for
employees to; be courageous, be innovative, and to be the brand which is Caymankind (CIDOT,
2016).
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 4
As CIDOT is a part of the Cayman Islands Government much of its HR policies and
practices are determined and guided by the Public Service Management Law (2013 Revision) as
well as the Personnel Regulations (2013 Revision) however, there are certain HR policies which
are determined at a departmental level (CIDOT, 2016). According to CIDOT (2016) the HR Unit
is dedicated to developing and retaining a team of professionals with personal characteristics and
competencies required for achieving the departments mission. CIDOT HR Unit also strives to
develop a team oriented environment; maintaining the guiding principles of the Government
Personnel Law which will encourage elevated levels of job performance ultimately resulting in a
peak in departmental performance (CIDOT, 2016). This research paper will identify HR policies
and practices that allow organizations to gain a competitive advantage in the work force as well
as how the CIDOT utilizes its HR policies and practices to obtain a competitive advantage. This
research paper will also suggest ways in which CIDOT HR practices can be improved in order to
obtain higher competitive advantage in the workforce. Methodologies used include a literature
review of HRM articles and journals, local legislation applicable to CIDOT as well as internal
regarded as a competitive advantage in business. As a matter of fact, research from Delery, 1998;
Huselid , 1995; Pfeffer, 1994; & Walker, 2001 indicates that effective HRM policies can be used
as a method for obtaining competitive advantage in the workforce. In addition, other researchers
have also concluded that the employees or human resource of a firm is hypothetically one of the
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 5
most vital sources of sustainable competitive advantage for the organization therefore HRM
polices impacts the firms performance by improving employee behavior (Kok & Hartog, 2006;
Zheng el al., 2009; Pardo & Moreno, 2009; Becker & Gerhart, 1996; Delery & Doty, 1996;
Ferris el al., 1999; Huselid, 1995; Pfeffer, 1994). Organizations can obtain a competitive
advantage in the work force by having HR polices that provide an appealing and diverse
can be beneficial in the organization achieving a competitive advantage; according to Chew and
Chan (2008) remuneration is an important contractual and inferred arrangement between the
employee and the organization. As stated by Rumpel and Medcof (2006) financial compensation
is money provided to an employee from an employer for services provided. Although, financial
compensation is largely accepted as the most important factor for attracting and retaining skilled
greater commitment or to remain with the organization (Chew & Chan 2008). In accordance with
research by Schlechter, Thompson, and Bussin, (2015) non-financial benefits have a substantial
impact on how an employee views the attractiveness of an employment offer. Furthermore, non-
opportunities for training, flextime programs, and career advancement (Rumpel & Medcof,
2006). Moreover, these non-financial benefits are usually assimilated with financial
compensation and benefits package (Rumpel & Medcof, 2006). As previously mentioned
organizations are realizing that paying salaries above the market level is not adequate on its own
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 6
to motive, encourage and retain employees (Whittaker, 2010). Whats more is that Whittaker
(2010) went on to say that the initial satisfaction and motivation may have improved as a result
of increased salary or receiving a performance bonus, however the impacts were short lived in
opportunities.
improve the skills of the organizations employees (Schlechter, Thompson, & Bussin, 2015).
perform well in their present and future duties, training also provides opportunities for
each other (Stavrou-Costea, 2002). As a result training and learning opportunities foster the
advancement and promotions may have a competitive advantage in the work force. According to
Glen (2006) it is important for HR practices to provide skilled and high potential employees with
the access to achieving experience-based career leverage prospects which swiftly develops their
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 7
opportunities include having HR polices that assist employees in pursuing and achieving their
career goals (Schlechter, Thompson, & Bussin, 2015). In consonance with Armstong and Murlis
(2010) opportunities for career advancement and development are logical necessities which bind
opportunities for personal and professional growth and development. Training relates to any
procedure provided by the organization in order to advance learning amongst its employees
whereas career development is associated with how much employees grows individually in
conjunction with the organization upon the completion of training opportunities (Taplin &
Winterton 2007; Ansari, 2011; Bhatti et al., 2013; and Sengupta & Dev, 2013). Additionally,
employee satisfaction is not just about money as HR tactics such as rewarding employees for
past performance with increased salary and position in the form of promotions and lateral moves
to new positions are equally important to employees (Ciani & Guddy 2012; Campbell, 2008).
compensation likewise the notion of work like balance is also recognized as a non-financial
benefit.
Organizations with HR practices that address the issues of work life balance have a
competitive advantage over other organizations who do not adopt such practices. Research by
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 8
Asiedu-Appiah, Mehmood, and Bamfo (2015) indicates that work-life balance is a notion of
employees being able to create and maintain an adequate balance between their social / personal
life and their paid work life. Whats more, organizations are making significant efforts to
develop good WLB in an effort to improve employee output and decrease employee turnover
rates (Asiedu-Appiah el al., 2015). Additionally, as stated by Asiedu-Appiah el al. (2015) WLB
supports employee loyalty and commitment and results in improved employee productivity.
Furthermore, the development of any organization can only be achieved through the interests of
its employees therefore; the significance of WLB ought not to be ignored or overlooked (Asiedu-
Appiah el al., 2015). Research by Asiedu-Appiah el al. (2015) indicates that when employees are
unable to effectively balance family demands and work demands it can diminish productivity,
increase absenteeism, decrease employee commitment and lower employee morale. In addition
organizations to have programs that recognize the performance and efforts of its employees.
Recognition is an imperative practice which shows employees that they are valued for
their contributions (Homewood Human Solutions 2012). However, it is important to note that
Thompson, and Bussin, (2015) employee recognition programs give distinctive attention to
employees efforts, performance, actions and behaviors. In agreement with Zani et al. (2011)
non-monetary rewards including recognition and praise are recognized as motivating factors for
Management Law (2013 Revision) and the Public Service Management Law (2013 Revision).
CIDOT provides a very attractive compensation package which includes not only a competitive
salary but also provides very generous noncontributory pension and health insurance programs.
According to the Personnel Regulations (2013 Revision) civil servant employees, their spouses,
and dependent children are entitled to free non-elective health insurance which provides medical,
optical, and dental benefits. Additionally, all civil servants including employees of CIDOT are
Scheme (Personnel Regulations, 2013 Revision). The Personnel Regulations (2013 Revision)
states that employee and employer pension contributions are paid into the Public Service Pension
Fund on behalf of the employee by the employee at a rate of 6 % of the employees salary.
Employees employed by private sector organizations are required to contribute to their health
insurance premiums and pension contributions and therefore noncontributory pension and
insurance programs provided by DOT allows the department to have a competitive advantage in
the workforce.
In relation to work-life balance the department recognizes that this an importance factor
which affetcs employee performance and productivity. According to CIDOT workplace rules
annex the typical working hours of the organization is from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 5:00,
however, CIDOT may operate a flextime policy from time to time which is subject to approval.
The flextime policy typically allows the employee to come in at an earlier hour and leave earlier
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 10
or start at a later hour and leave later or vice versa. In Addition to CIDOTs flextime policy, as
civil servants employees are also provided with additional types of leave which facilitate a good
work life balance. These benefits are enshrined in local legislation known as Personnel
employees are eligible to apply for both part time and full time study leave as the discretion of
the appointing officer or head of department. The Personnel Regulations (2013 Revision) also
affords CIDOT employees with paid leave in the form of maternity, paternity, vacation, sick,
time, compassionate , compensatory, bereavement and special leave. Therefore the Personnel
Regulations (2013 Revision) provides mechanisms that support employees in maintaining a good
work life balance. As previously mentioned CIDOT believes in the principle of maintaining a
good work life balance and as a result its HR policies and practices are aligned with this belief.
Hence in order for its employees to maintain a good work life balance the department operates a
family members also have access to free counselling services which are facilities by the
Agriculture, 2001). According to the Ministry of Health Services, District Administration and
Agriculture (2001) Employee Assistance Program provides group and individual counselling for
issues that involve marriage, family, stress, relationships, domestic violence, substance abuse and
depression. EAP provides confidential referral and counseling services that support employees
article published by the Ministry of Health Services, District Administration and Agriculture
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 11
(2001) government membership in the EAP program includes over 3,000 employees and the
program is offered as an additional benefit to civil servants. The services provided through the
EAP are of significant non-monetary benefit CIDOT employees and as mentioned are of no cost
to the employee. Similarly, like membership to the Employee Assistance Program employees are
As civil servants CIDOTs employees are also eligible for membership and other
associated benefits through the Civil Service Association. Whilst work unions are not legally
recognized and accepted in the Cayman Islands, the Civil Service Association is the closest
organization in the Cayman Islands which is able to provide assistance and representation for its
members on HR and workplace issues. In accordance with the Public Servant Management Law
(2013 Revision) the Cayman Islands Government acknowledges the Cayman Islands Civil
Servants Association as the appropriately appointed representative of the Head of Civil Service
and of the civil service, additionally Chief Officers and the Portfolio of Civil Service are likewise
to recognize the Civil Service Association and liaise with the Association when it is necessary in
regards to human resources issues for which they are accountable. This is an added benefit of
being employed the CIDOT and the wider Cayman Islands Government that is not available to
provides CIDOT with a competitive advantage in the local work force. Likewise, another non-
monetary benefit of CIDOT employment is opportunities for training and educational assistance.
According to Amy Bothwell Manager, Human Resources CIDOT provides its employees
with financial assistance in the pursuit of training and certifications. Correspondingly, in keeping
with the departments desire to provide employees with educational assistance opportunities
CIDOT Educational Assistance / Study Leave Policy states that employees are entitled to
financial assistance towards courses and paid study leave. In consonance with CIDOTs 2015-
2016 Annual Report 25 employees participated in training in David Allens Getting things
done and seven employees completed training in various subjects such as business continuity,
disaster planning, leadership and hospitality workshops. The report also indicated that five
employees advanced in furthering their education at various levels which include Associates,
Bachelors, and Masters degree programs (CIDOTs 2015-2016 Annual Report). Also, three
senior managers participated in the Top 100 Civil Servants Leadership Conference (CIDOTs
2015-2016 Annual Report). According to CIDOT Training and Capability Development Policy
the department recognizes the importance of the development of employees for personal growth
as well as for succession planning. The policy also states that Departments Training and
Development Policy is to support and provide training opportunities that will improve the skills,
abilities, and knowledge of all employees. Whilst CIDOT employees are able to receive various
training and educational assistance through CIDOT HR policies employees are also entitled to
employees are eligible for continuous learning, educational, and training opportunities through
various government lead initiatives and programs. Most recently for the month of August 2016
the Office of the Deputy Governor launched the CIG first ever Development Month which
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 13
included sessions for essentially all learning needs (thehub, 2016). As indicated by a blog from
the Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson major themes covered throughout Development
Month included Health and Wellness, Core Skills, Mentoring, and Innovation (thehub, 2016).
Sessions provided ranged from becoming an engaging manager to effective time management
and stress management (thehub, 2016). Moreover, CIDOT employees are also eligible for
educational advancement through the Civil Service College. According to thehub (2016) CSC is
providing employees with the opportunity for educational advancement through the Institute of
Leadership and Management (IML) Level 3 Certificate course effective September 2016.
Furthermore, CSC provides civil servants such as CIDOT employees with the opportunity to
pursue Certificates, Associates, and even Bachelors degrees in Public Administration among
other workshops and learning opportunities (thehub, 2016). Whats more is CSCs vision is to
engage, motivate, and realize the potential of civil servants through lifelong learning
opportunities (Civil Service College, 2016). Additionally, the CSC enables employees to better
manage their personal and professional career development leading to lifelong success (CSC,
2016). In Addition to learning and educational opportunities through CSC CIDOT employees are
Although the CIDOT does not presently have its own internal employee recognition
program the employees of the department may be recognized through wider government
recognition programs such as the Deputy Governors Awards, the Chief Officers Choice and the
CIG Employee of the Year (Office of the Deputy Governor, 2016). According to the Deputy
Governors website, the Deputy Governors Award is designed to highlight the upstanding
efforts of civil servants throughout core government so that these employees can serve as role
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 14
models, exemplifying the high standards that is expected for all civil servants (Deputy
Governors Office, 2016). Further to this the Chief Officers Choice is chosen form a list of
nominations of high performing civil servants within a particular ministry and at the end of each
month one outstanding employee will be recognized as the CIG Employee of the Month (Deputy
Governors Office, 2016). Ultimately, at the end of the year all CIG Employees of the Month
recipients automatically become nominees for the Deputy Governors Award which is the
highest level of the award system that recognizes the efforts and contributions of outstanding
It is essential for HR practices, not only to recognize the benefits of training programs but
also to develop plans for the implementation of effective training programs within the
organization (Stavrou-Costea, 2002). Whilst CIDOT provides its employees with funding and
assistance for training opportunities, its training program can be improved. CIDOT could
implement a training program in which all employees would participate in the departments
tourism industry stakeholders workshops (PRIDE, Know Your Cayman Islands and Promises).
As mentioned CIDOT employees are entitled to various training opportunities through Civil
Service College (thehub, 2016). Therefore the CIDOT should institute a policy to systematically
encourage, recommend and remind employees of the benefits and learning opportunities
available to them through the CSC. Perhaps this can be done by linking available training and
CSC provides government departments with individualized workshops which can be used to by
CIDOT to improve the skills and knowledge of employees at no additional cost to the
department. Furthermore, research by Stavrou-Costea, (2002) indicates that training and learning
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 15
training policy, CIDOT can also expand its HR polices to improve employee recognition.
Whilst the wider government recognition programs are a starting point the civil service is
a very large and diverse group of over 3000 employees which makes it considerably more
difficult for CIDOT employees to be recognized. Therefore CIDOT can improve its HR polices
efforts, performance, behaviors and actions of employees (Schlechter, Thompson, & Bussin,
organization are valued. The department may also implement a program which also recognizes
the tenure and dedication of employees by recognizing key employee dates including birthdays
and anniversaries. Once implemented the employee recognition program should be delivered in a
meaningful method to employees and should also be personalized (Homewood Human Solutions
2012). Additionally according to Zani et al. non-financial rewards such as employee recognition
can motivate employees and improve employee productivity. Therefore the CIDOT can improve
its HR polies by designing and implementing an effective and efficient employee recognition
program. Further to the improvement of the employee recognition program CIDOT can also
improve its HR polices to enable better work life balance for employees.
Whilst, CIDOT currently operates a flextime program many employees may not be aware that
such program exists. During the orientation process new employees should consistently be
advised of the flextime policy. As mentioned by Yasbek (2004) work life balance refers to
polices created by organizations, as a part of its HRM. Such policies consists of the employees
right leave from work including maternity / paternity leave, vacation, time off to take care of
dependents, and ultimately includes the rights of parents to seek flexible working hours and part-
time work (Stevens et a., 2004). Additionally, the department could look into implementing
with research by Moore (2007); Deery (2008); and Anderson and Kelliher (2009) which found
that flexible working programs such as telecommuting, flextime, compressed work time or
reduced work hours provide employees with options as to where and how much hours they work,
which in turn improved employee engagement and satisfaction thus enhancing employee
retention within the department. Also, it is imperative for CIDOT to create flexible options to
increase productivity without affecting the safety, personal lives and welfare of its employees
Asiedu-Appiah et al., (2015). Hence the availability of work life balance programs is important
Limitations / Future Research -This research paper did not analyze the CIDOT HR polices for
literature based on competitive advantage in terms of diversity and inclusive work force. This
research paper also did not analyze the CIDOT / CIG terms of policies the current issue of pay
stagnation within the civil service or policies to address the issue of pay stagnation within the
organizations to obtain a competitive advantage within the work force it is essential for its HR
policies and practices to incorporate programs to provide a good quality of work-life balance,
opportunities for personal and professional growth, access to continuous learning, ongoing
opportunities, and access to continues learning have a more engaged and productive workforce
which in turn enables the organization to achieve a competitive advantage in the workforce. The
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is a component of the Cayman Islands Government and
as a result its HR policies and programs are fundamentally governed by legislation such as the
Public Service Management Law (2013 Regulations) and the Personnel Management Law (2013
Regulations) which enables CIDOT with a competitive advantage in the workforce. However,
there are certain HR policies that are exclusive to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourisms
employees. Such policies also provide CIDOT with an opportunity to achieve a competitive
advance; these policies include the flextime policy, the Training and Capability Development
Policy, and the Educational Assistance / Study Leave Policy. Employees of the CIDOT like other
civil servants receive generous compensation packages. The compensation package available to
CIDOT employees include access to continues learning through the Civil Service College,
noncontributory pension and health insurance programs, provision for work life balance
nonetheless can improve its HR policies and competitive advantage by providing additional
provisions for improved work life balance including telecommuting and job sharing as well as an
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Appendix A
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Appendix B
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 23
Appendix C
Running head: Analyzation HRM polices for competitive advantage; CIDOT HR policies 24
Appendix D
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