Abstract:
The main objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of Human Resource Management
Practices (HRMPs) on Perceived Business Performance (PBP) of ISO 9001 QMS certified
manufacturing firms of Sri Lanka and also to examine the moderator effect of firm age on the
relationship between HRMPs and PBP. The study was designed as a cross-sectional field survey and
used a structured questionnaire technique to collect data from a sample selected using a simple
random sampling technique from a known population and SPSS software is used for survey data
analysis. The major finding indicates that overall HRMPs have no positive impact on PBP. However,
training and development and recruitment and selection do have positive contributions to perceived
business performance. Furthermore, the results indicate firm age has no moderating effect on the
relationship between HRMPs and PBP. The findings of this paper are very much important for the Sri
Lankan manufacturing industry and policymakers, as it provides clarity by identifying the important
HRM practices, need to be focused when consider the enhancing of business performance(BP).
Moreover, the results of the study are useful for manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka looking forward to
installing ISO 9001 based quality management system within the firms as results provide human
resource management practices areas need to be focused. This research is confined to ISO 9001QMS
certified manufacturing firms of Sri Lanka and therefore the findings obtained may not be generalized
to other countries.