Managerial Perspectives on Automation and Human Factors: Evidence from the Bangladeshi Garment Industry
Keywords:
Automation, Displacement, Human Factors, Ready-made Garment (RMG), ComplianceAbstract
Purpose of the study: The aim of this paper is to understand the perception of the human resource managers of the Bangladeshi RMG sectors regarding automation-related displacement and management of related human factors. Overall views regarding automation, related training and compliance issues are investigated too.
Methodology: Data is mustered by face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, which is analyzed through manual interpretive content analysis. A convenience sampling method is pursued; nonetheless, a proper mix of varied levels of garment factories is assured.
Findings: Low-skilled workers are mostly displaced due to automation; however, in aggregate it does not decrease jobs. Management is mostly driven by international buyers and compliance requirements while catering to human factors; even if training is considered a vital factor for automation success, the majority of the sampled factories do not have (effective) in-house training facilities.
Implications (practical): These findings will be beneficial to the academic, HR managers of the Bangladeshi RMG industry, regulatory bodies, and related business associations.
Limitations and Future direction: This study has considered a few samples from the model, above average and average garment factories; hence, generalizations of the conclusion might be questionable.
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