HRM roles in paradise : strategic or administrative? a study of tourist resorts in the Maldives

Abstract

Using multiple case study data obtained from seven tourist resorts in the Maldives, this study explores human resource management (HRM) roles and the extent to which these roles reflect strategic human resource management (SHRM) characteristics. The findings show that although strategic, administrative, welfare, employee advocacy and change agent roles are part of the HR department’s remit in resorts, driven by market and competitive conditions, HR actors are increasingly adopting SHRM roles. Along with these roles, the study identifies context-specific HR competencies required for HR actors to carry out their roles. The study also highlights the importance of a strategic role for resorts operating in a complex, dynamic and unpredictable hospitality industry in general, and international hotel chains in particular, to achieve competitive advantage.