The International Journal of Professional Management - ISSN 20422341
A quality Improvement Approach for Developing the Human Resources of the Portuguese Local Authorities
Volume 8, Issue 1, January 2013
Manuel H. C. Campeã
E-mail : m.campea@gmail.com
Manuel H. C. Campeã was the Albufeira Town Council’s Chief of the Road Net Division and is now with the Municipal Board for the National Authority for Civil Protection. He is an engineer and holds a Master degree in General Management from the University of Algarve. His main research interests are in quality management and human resources management at local authorities.
Carlos J. F. Cândido
E-mail : ccandido@ualg.pt
Carlos J. F. Cândido is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve, and a member of the CEFAGE-UE research centre. He holds an MSc in Management and Strategy from ISCTE and a PhD in Strategic Management from Sheffield Hallam University. His main research interests are in business strategy and quality management. He has published both in national and international journals and magazines.
CEFAGE-UE, Évora, Portugal.
and
Faculty of Economics
University of Algarve
Campus de Gambelas
8005-139 Faro
Portugal
Abstract
Several efforts have been made to improve the quality of human resources employed by Portuguese local authorities (HRPLA). Still, the vast majority of the personnel, including management, have low qualifications and seem to be less productive than their foreign counterparts. Based on a quality improvement approach, this paper proposes and tests a model encompassing eight management dimensions. The intention is to contribute to the development of the HRPLA. A survey assessed the importance of each management dimension, the ability of the respondents to manage these, and the actual forms of management used. Statistical tests provided support for the validity of the model and suggest that, whilst respondents consider its dimensions to be very important, their autonomy and ability to manage them is low. The main restrictions to this come from legislation, lack of management knowledge, lack of training, and politics. Results also suggest that a common language can be developed between public and private organisations.
Keywords : Human resources management, Quality management, Public sector management, Portuguese local authorities, Algarve
To View Full Article, Please Login
Contemporary Case Studies
Conferences
Management Tips
articles of interest
Websites of Interest
Book Reviews
Editor's Message
Home|Editorial Board|Author Guidlines|Authors|Subscription|Privacy Policy
Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved.
International Professional Managers Association
5 Starnes Court, Union Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1EB. England. UK