A comparative study of recruitment and training practices between small and large businesses in an emerging market economy: The case of Barbados
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 17 February 2012
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to determine differences between recruitment processes and methods and training practices used in small and large businesses in the retailing, manufacturing, and tourism sectors in an emerging economy, Barbados.
Design/methodology/approach
The research utilized a quantitative survey covering 49 retailing, manufacturing and tourism‐oriented organizations to ascertain whether small organizations practice the procedures and methods outlined in the prescriptive literature on recruitment and training compared with large organizations. Institutional theory and resource‐based view informed the research.
Findings
It was found that recruitment processes and methods and training practices vary among small and large organizations. It suggests that, in Barbados, small businesses are likely to rely on informal recruitment methods and informal training practices compared with large businesses.
Research limitations/implications
This study is only conducted across the retailing, manufacturing and tourism sectors in Barbados. The findings may have implications for management in other sectors, and small and large businesses in emerging economies.
Practical implications
The results provide academics and managers in both large and small businesses with insights into recruitment and training practices in small and large businesses in an emerging economy.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the limited research done on recruitment and training activities among small‐sized and large‐sized firms in the English‐speaking Caribbean.
Keywords
Citation
Greenidge, D., Alleyne, P., Parris, B. and Grant, S. (2012), "A comparative study of recruitment and training practices between small and large businesses in an emerging market economy: The case of Barbados", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 164-182. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626001211196460
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited