Engaging Mixed Methodology to Gauge Industrial Relations Quality Determinants

Abstract

Several scholars have claimed that harmonious and quality industrial relations lead to organizational development. There are studies and instruments to measure industrial relations harmony. However, so far, document searches based on SCOPUS and Google Scholar databases revealed a lack of evidence based on empirical studies conducted on industrial relations quality and measurements used to determine the quality of industrial relations. This paper attempts to discuss how industrial relations quality determinants are gauged employing a mixed methodology
approach. The quality of industrial relations in East Malaysia would be assessed. Data collection for both approaches was conducted online due to the COVID-19 movement control order. NVivo 12 plus was used to explore and identify industrial relations best practices. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used to gauge industrial relations quality determinants and determine the quality of industrial relations. There were seven industrial relations practices identified. Data obtained via qualitative and quantitative approaches were then triangulated to determine the viability of the seven industrial relations best practices as quality determinants. It was found that three out of the seven industrial relations best practices were noticeably best practices for both methods and hence, considered industrial relations quality determinants. It was also found that the private sector in East Malaysia is compliant with industrial relations best practices. This paper provides insights into organizations to determine the means to enhance quality industrial relations at their workplaces and set a benchmark for organizations to incorporate their industrial relations into their strategic planning, particularly in the area of human resource management, to attract and retain talented employees. This paper also highlighted the need for future researchers to conduct studies on the quality of industrial relations in East Malaysia as most current industrial relations studies are typically centered in West Malaysia.