UWU Repository :: Browsing by Author "Damunupola, A.K.A."

Browsing by Author "Damunupola, A.K.A."

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An Analysis of Foreign Passenger Satisfaction on the Service Quality at Bandaranaike International Airport
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Heiyanthuduwa, H.D.N.J.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Kumara, P.H.T.
This study aims to investigate foreign passenger satisfaction on the service quality at Bandaranaike international airport. BIA is the major international airport in Sri Lanka. Passenger satisfaction arises when a company can provide benefits that exceed passenger’s expectation. Sleeping airport website has ranked BIA as 10th worst airport in Asia. BIA was ranked 25th out of 37 Asian airport surveyed. A study done by Air Transport Research Society on productivity has identified BIA as a low efficient airport in the Asian region. The sample size is 200 foreign passengers among 1.5million annual population. Convenience sampling is selected as sampling technique and selfadministered questionnaires are used to collect data. Correlation analysis is used to identify the existing level of the service quality and the passenger satisfaction at BIA. In order to identify the impact of the service quality on the passenger satisfaction at BIA, researcher utilized simple linear regression analysis and used multiple linear regression analysis to identify the service quality determinants mostly influence for passenger satisfaction. Hypothesis developments are accepted and show the significant positive relationship between independent and dependent variables. The demographic profile of foreign passengers expose strong facts of Sri Lankan tourism industry and its potential to growth by identifying the prospectus target market. When consider existing situation of foreign passenger satisfaction at BIA, foreign passengers are almost agree with the passenger satisfaction. Tangibility, responsiveness, assurance and empathy have good impact to airport service satisfaction. According to the findings of the study, passenger satisfaction should improve through physical facilities and reliability of service providers.
Analysis of Organizational and Environmental Benefits from Sustainable Waste Management Practices in Hotels (with special reference to Kandy District, Sri Lanka)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Wijesinghe, W.A.D.S.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Femando, P.I.N.
Kandy district is a reputed tourists' destination which records the second largest waste generation next to the Colombo district in Sri Lanka. Today the highest business competition has made sustainable waste management as a trend in hospitality organizations' environment. According to the main purpose the study analyzed the organizational & environmental benefits from sustainable hotel waste management practices in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. The study was adopted a descriptive survey research design. Convenience sampling method was used to select the respondents. Data collection instruments included questionnaires targeting the hotel general manager, departmental managers and junior staff. The collected data were coded tabulated and edited with the aid of SPSS electronic statistical package then presented using table, graphs and pie charts to enhance a meaningful description. The data were analyzed using the mixed method including frequencies distribution percentages and means to explain the variable characteristics, while inferential statistics including correlation to determine the variable relationship. As per the research findings, hotels in Kandy have to overcome many challenges to gain organizational and environmental benefits from sustainable waste management practice. Assistance from local government authorities improves the awareness among working staff innovative working environment an appropriate policy framework for hotels are essential to improve the waste management confidently face to critical challenges in order to the growth of sustainability in the hotel industry in Kandy district.
An Analysis of the Relationship between Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Retention in Hotel Industry (With Special Reference to Star Class Hotels in Western Province)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Bandara, S.J.M.E.K.S.; Peries, H.R.N.; Damunupola, A.K.A.
The hotel industry is one of the booming industries and plays a significant role in Sri Lankan economy and labor market. The principal challenge of majority industry organizations is to retain employees for a long period within the intensive competitive environment. Effective Human resource management (HRM) practices are crucial factors for employee retention and assist organizations to retain valuable employees. Therefore, it is essential to retain employees via effective HRM practices. The main objective of this study was to explore the relationship between HRM practices and employee retention and to identify the highest and least influential factor in employee retention. The study particularly identified recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal, and compensation and incentives as the four key HRM dimensions to analyse the study objectives. 120 permanent operational levels of employees in the hotel industry was selected using a purposive sampling method and data were collected through selfadministered questionnaires. The study systematically described, analysed, and interpreted data using a quantitative approach. The data were analysed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression techniques. The results denoted that all four dimensions of human resource practices had a strong positive relationship on employee retention. Compensation and incentives were the highest influential factor while training and development was the least influential factor in employee retention. Finally, this study suggested that Human Resource executives in the hotel industry need to pay more attention and should adapt effective HRM practices which make employee satisfied and affect on employee retention in the organization. Keywords: Hotel industry, Human resource management practices, Employee retention
Analysis of Tourism Destination Competitiveness in Nuwara Eliya Region (Supplier’s Perspective)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Karunarathna, H.D.C.M.; Herath, H.M.W.M.; Damunupola, A.K.A.
Destination is places where tourism has developed extemporary or has been actively encouraged. A competitive advantage can be achieved if the universal appeal of the destination is valuable to that of optional destination to potential visitors. Destination to become competitive they must strategically promote specific features distinguishing them from similar destinations or establish competitive advantages. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) statistical report 2016, the tourist occupancy rate in high country has been gradually increased. Further Nuwara Eliya and Rathnapura are major tourism destination in high country. Therefore this study selected Nuwara Eliya as a tourism destination. This study mainly focuses on to identify the existing destination attractive determinants, relationship between destination attractive determinants & destination competitiveness and also most significant destination attractive determinant on overall destination competitiveness in Nuwara Eliya region, The study uses model to investigate the destination competitiveness, addressing the following destination attractive determinants : inherited resources, created resources, supporting factors, destination management, and situational conditions. This study is useful to tourism stakeholders and it serve as a guide for other destinations seeking to understand their competitiveness. Research is mostly based on Primary data and researcher used convenience sampling method used to collect data from the 50 tourism industry stakeholders who are in the Nuwara Eliya region. Data were analysed by using SPSS. The results revealed that destination management and situational condition are existing destination attractive determinants , There is a positive relationship between destination attractive determinants and destination competitiveness and also created resources are the most significant destination attractive determinate out of the five determinants.
Analyzing the Relationship of Factors Affecting on Tourists’ Buying Behaviour of Handicraft Products (With Special Reference to Galle District)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Darshani, K.L.R.; Thennakoon, T.M.P.S.I.; Damunupola, A.K.A.
Handicraft products are one of the important products which can market in the tourism and hospitality industry. The handicraft industry can be benefited from gaining understanding about the tourists’ buying behaviour of handicraft products. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the factors that affecting on tourists’ buying behaviour of handicraft products. Marketing mix factors, situational factors, and personal factors were considered as the influential factors of the buying behaviour of handicraft products. This study was focused on the Galle district of Sri Lanka. This quantitative study was mainly based on primary data that were gathered using a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The target population for this study was the local and foreign tourists who visit handicraft shops in Galle District and from which a sample of 100 was selected (10 tourists from 10 selected shops) using convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyse the data collected. Results disclosed that marketing mix factors, situational factors, and personal factors had a positive relationship with tourists’ buying behaviour of handicraft products whereas the marketing mix factors showed the highest relationship and the situational factors the least. The study revealed that there is a need for introducing modern technology for creating a properly established market. Besides, it should re-establish the art and craft villages and giving incentives to encourage locals for their creations. Further, is influential vital to conduct training programs and workshops for traditional craftsman to uplift the quality of their products and to attract the market. Keywords: Tourist, Handicraft, Buying behaviour, Marketing mix, Situational factors, Personal factors
Challenges and Opportunities for Community Based Tourism Development in Kithulgala
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Ranasinghe, D.M.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Kumara, P.H.T.; Sammani, U.G.O.
Tourism is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and it is a major source of income for many countries. Community-Based Tourism (CBT) concept relates more specifically to tourism operations involving local communities, taking place on their lands and oriented on their cultural and natural resources and attractions. This study especially focused on identifying challenges, opportunities for CBT development in Kithulgala, and particularly intended to study the community perception towards CBT development in Kithulgala. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach and data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews. Two separate questionnaires were used gathered data from hoteliers, tour operators, and tourists. The convenience sampling method was used to collect data from 100 hoteliers, operators, and 50 tourists, and 10 local community members were interviewed. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and exploratory factor analysis with the support of SPSS and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. According to the results, lack community interest, lack of government, lack of awareness and training, lack of marketing and promotional activities and lack of infrastructure identified were identified as challenges and there were several opportunities identified such as increasing revisit intention, improvements of desire to explore remote locations, introducing novel adventure-based activities, focusing on positive recommendations of the visitors and providing facilities to different experience about local culture. There should be some implications for the development of tourism in Kithulagla, product diversification, and quality enhancement, develop marketing and promotion through social media and company websites, and increase government involvement. . Keywords: Community based tourism, Challenges, Opportunities, Community perception
Challenges and Opportunities for Community Based Tourism Development in Sembuwaththa
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Godage, T.G.I.M.; Wachissara, P.; Damunupola, A.K.A.
Today tourism industry is a rapidly growing industry in the world as well as in Sri Lanka. Hence, the demand of travelling for experiencing the community based tourism related activities within the world is gradually increasing. The concept of community based tourism is a type of tourism that takes socio, economic and environmental sustainability in to account. In this context, this study specially focuses on identifying the key challenges and opportunities for CBT development in Sembuwaththa tourist destination which is located in Matale, Sri Lanka. Further study also attempts to find out the attitudes and perception of local communities on tourism development in Sembuwaththa tourist destination. In order to achieve these objectives, data were generated through qualitative (in-depth interviews) and quantitative (survey questionnaires) approaches. The researcher has collected data from 10 local community people who are living in Sembuwaththa area and 100 tourists who visited this area according to the convenience sampling method. The quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis with the support of SPSS 21.0 version while qualitative data were used to validate the study. In this research several challenges have been identified for CBT development in the study area. Such as lack of knowledge and interest of local community towards CBT, language barriers of local community and lack of infrastructure facilities were identified as challenges. However, number of opportunities like the strategic location site, tourists has high satisfaction level and revisit intention towards the destination after they visited the site, high demand for recreational activities and positive attitude of the CBT participants towards CBT were identified as opportunities for CBT development in the area. This article proposes strategies to develop the tourism industry in the destination with the community participation in sustainable manner.
Effect of Customer Relationship Marketing Practices on Customer Loyalty (With Special Reference to Five Star Hotels in Colombo District)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Oshadha, B.A.P.; Kulathilaka, C.J.P.; Damunupola, A.K.A.
Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) is a widely using strategy in the modern-day business arena that allows to cultivate durable relationships with both present and potential customers while helping streamline corporate performance. Theoretically it develops a strong customer relationship, customer loyalty and brand value for an establishment. Service businesses are extensively led to the CRM practices evidently. The objectives of this study was to recognize the different CRM practices that are used in the hotel industry and assess the impact of those practices on the customer loyalty. Total of one hundred guests from five star hotels in Colombo district were selected conveniently as the study sample. A structured questionnaire was distributed to collect primary data and descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used in the study in order to achieve the research objectives. The empirical results of the study revealed that the five star hotels are using an extensive set of CRM practices aligning to the trust, commitment, social bonding, empathy and communication where those have been felt mostly to the guests. CRM practices of the five star hotels and customer loyalty have a strong positive relationship. The most influential factor among all the customer relationship marketing practices, can be identified as social boding and trust had been identified as the least influential factor which affect to the customer loyalty in five star hotels in Colombo district. The findings suggest that hotels can create loyal customers by exhibiting trustworthy behaviors, communicating information to customers efficiently and accurately, delivering a quality services and improving overall customer relationship quality.
Factors Influencing Organic Tea Purchasing in Boutique Hotels (Special Reference to Central Province Sri Lanka)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Dharmawardhana, K.K.P.S.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Sammani, U.G.O.
In the recent past, consumer demand for organic food products has increased rapidly due to the various health benefits it offers. The hospitality industry is one of the key economic contributors in Sri Lanka and in -comparison to the other hotels, boutique hotels are classified as luxury hotel categories serving upscale, niche market segments. The main aim of this study is to determine the key factors influencing organic tea purchasing in Boutique-hotels. The study also takes efforts to explore the difficulties faced by the hoteliers in the organic tea purchasing process and the hotel Managers‟ perception towards organic product purchasing. The qualitative research method applied for the study to in-depth examines the scenario. Further, purposive sampling and structured interview techniques were employed in data collection and the thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. Primary data were gathered from 12 boutique hotels listed in Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The central province of Sri Lanka was chosen as the study location. Accordingly, the findings of the study revealed that upscale tourists prefer to consume more health- conscious products while considering the long-term health benefits. And it was also highlighted that boutique hotel guests‟ consumer patterns are quite different from traditional hotel guests where they usually tend to spend more on the quality and the value aspects of a certain product regardless of the price. Additionally, Product and Process related issues including climatic changes, poor packaging, lack of education and awareness, and inadequate government support, etc factors were highlighted as some of the key challenges faced by the hotel management in the organic tea purchasing process. Some practical implications are proposed for organic tea suppliers, tea purchasing hoteliers, the government, and the other stakeholder groups to ensure a conducive environment for organic tea consumers and suppliers. Keywords: Organic tea; Purchase intention; Boutique hotels; Hospitality industry
Identify the Potentials to Promote Special Interest Tourism in Kurunegala District: With Special Reference to Cultural Heritage Tourism
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Jayathilaka, W.M.S.D.; Peiris, H.R.N.; Damunupola, A.K.A.
Cultural Heritage Tourism is the type of Special Interest Tourism and is one of the fast growing segments in Tourism. This trend is evident in the rise in the volume of tourists who seek adventure, culture, history, archaeology and interaction with local people. Kurunegala boasters with four ancient kingdoms in its periphery bearing a significant historical importance. The cultural quadrangle Program established under the central cultural fund is also based on these four ancient kingdoms namely, Kurunegala, Yapahuwa, Dambadeniya and Panduwasnuwara. But up to now it is not a district which popular among foreign tourists. The objective of this study is identifying the potentials to promote Kurunegala as Cultural Heritage Tourism destination. One hundred foreign tourists, who are visiting Cultural Heritage Sites in kurunegala District, were selected using convenient sampling technique and self-administered questionnaire was distributed among tourists to collect primary data. Descriptive analysis is used to identify the visitor profile of potential cultural heritage tourists to destination. Researcher identified location’s Cultural heritage attractions, Location’s Environmental features and its attractions, Basic Tourists’ needs, supporting services as destination attributes to promote the Cultural heritage tourism by using Exploratory Factor Analysis. The most significant attribute is Location’s Cultural Heritage Attractions. Tourism Itineraries together with all destinations and its attractions in kurunegala district, logo and slogan for the district, Plan the tour packages including kurunegala, communicate uniqueness of the destination can be recommended to promote the destination attributes identified. Since Location’s Cultural heritage attractions are most significant, Researcher recommends maintaining preserved and clean sites, excavating more past historical works and implementing sound signage and naming system.
Impact of Beach Tourism on the Host Community: Evidence from Arugam Bay Beach in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Koushiga, K.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Sutha, J.
One of the main and foremost attractions of Sri Lanka is its long, sandy beaches which extend all over the island. A wide tourism market has arisen in and around the beaches in Sri Lanka. Arugam Bay beach is one of the ten world's best surfing points. As beach tourism is carried out along the coasts of the island, it influences the region as well as the whole country in many ways as in positive as well as negative. This study focuses on the beach tourism activities at Arugam Bay, its positive and negative impacts on economy, socio culture and environment of the host community. Main objective of this study is to identify the beach tourism activities and to find the kind of impact they have on the host community. Primary data was collected through structured interviews from 30 respondents. Sample comprised from host community, foreign tourists, local tourists and the government officials in Arugam Bay. Analysis was done using thematic analysis which identified 3 main themes i.e. economic impacts, sociocultural impacts and environmental impacts along with several sub themes. Income generation, job creation regional development, cost of living and increasing real estate rates are the main economic impact whilst, living standards, illegal activities, misbehaviors, drug abuse and cultural influence under socio cultural impacts and environmental concern, pollution and overcrowding come under environmental impacts. The results of the study conclude that the beach tourism activities have a positive impact on the economy and the environment of the host community, while the activities negatively affect the socio culture of the host community. This study will contribute for the tourism development with community participation in Arugam Bay.
The Impact of Employee Transformative Learning on Their Future Retention “Role of Career Satisfaction” (With special reference to hotel industry in Galle district of Sri Lanka)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Isurika, N.H.K.S.; Sutha, J.; Damunupola, A.K.A.
Tourism industry is one of the largest industries in Sri Lanka and it provides so many benefits for employees as well as the country in many ways. Employees’ transformative learning is a critical factor to retain the employees when considering about the hotel industry in Sri Lanka. Transformative learning means the employees interpretation of the experience creates meaning, which leads to change in the behavior, mindset and beliefs. In Sri Lankan hotel industry, the employees’ duty is in a higher position. And also there are some practices regarding transformative learning within those hotels sector. Therefore, the researcher has focused on this study to understand the impact of transformative learning on employee retention under the mediating role of career satisfaction. The researcher has focused to accomplish four objectives with regards to the problem of this study and hypothesized four basic hypotheses according to those research objectives in order to accomplish them. The population of the study was all middle level employees in hotel sector in Galle District. According to the methodology, the sample of the study was 90 employees and it has been taken from 10 three to five star hotels in Galle District. Moreover, data were gathered from self-administered questionnaires. Furthermore, the researcher has used IBM SPSS software to analyse data and descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient analysis, simple regression, mediation assessment through multiple regression and Sable test were used as data analysis methods. Finally, the researcher found that, transformative learning significantly influences on employee retention. Further, the career satisfaction has been significant and partially mediates the relationship between transformative learning and employee retention.
The Impact of HRM Practices on Career Succession Plans (With Special Reference to Sri Lankan Hotel Industry)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Viduranga, W.P.C.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Ranaweera, R.A.A.K.
Tourism is one of the largest and rapidly developing industries in the world. In Sri Lankan context, the hospitality and tourism industry plays a significant role in the economy and labor market. As far as the hotel sector is concerned, it is one of the highly people oriented businesses that largely depends on the quality of the services provided. Thus, employee development has been recognized as one of the most vital aspects in the hospitality industry. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the impact of HRM practices on career succession planning in the hotel industry. In particular, the study limited its focus to the operational level employees occupied in 4-star and 5-star hotels in Colombo district. Further, the study adopted a mix-methods approach to in-depth analyze the scenario. For the quantitative analysis study collected primary data from 100 operational level employees while employing convenience sampling and structured questionnaire methods. Qualitative data were collected from 40 respondents and a semi-structured interview method was applied in data collection. Finally, quantitative data were analyzed while using descriptive analysis; Pearson coefficient correlation, regression analysis and the qualitative data were analyzed with the thematic analysis method. Accordingly, the findings of the study reveal that there is a strong positive relationship between HRM practices and Career succession planning. Further, it was evident that training and development, job rotation and empowerment and compensation schemes have a positive impact on career succession planning. The findings depict that unique HRM practices are one of the key success factors in employee development, retention and long term sustainability. Study recommendations will be useful for the hotel industry specifically, HR managers and government policy makers and the business organizations to recognize and facilitate for employee development and to achieve business success. Keywords: Career Succession Planning; Hospitality Industry; Human Resources Management Practices; Operational level Employees
Impact of Marketing Mix Factors in Tourists' Decision Making of Revisiting Sri Lanka (with special reference to beach tourism in southern province)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Idroos, A.A.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Fernando, P.I.N.
When comparing about the statistical reports of tourists arrivals and the beach tourist's percentages in recent years there is a decline in the percentage of beach tourists in Sri Lanka though there is a growth in tourist arrivals. The aim of this research is to study - the service marketing mix and how it influence on the tourists' decision to revisit Sri Lanka. The researcher has used a sample of 150 international tourists & selected by using convenient sampling technique. Researcher has used 5 different destinations including, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Tangalle by distributing the sample equally. Data related to demographic and marketing mix factors are gathered by using a questionnaire filled by the respondents. Researcher has used descriptive, correlation and regression analysis methods to analyze the data. According to the results of demographic characteristics of beach tourist most of them are young, well-educated and working in the private sector. Most of the tourists prefer swimming in the southern beaches. The analysis exposed that there was a positive relationship between all the marketing mix factors and tourists' tourism decision. The most influencing factor was the product, second highest influencing factor was the place and both of them having a strong positive relationship to the tourists' decision and the least influencing factor was the personnel second least influential factor was the physical evidence and both of them having weak positive relationship to the tourists' decision to revisit Sri Lanka. Price, Promotion and Process are having an average positive relationship towards the tourists' decision. The study recommends improving the promotion of Sri Lankan beach tourism in other countries, developing proper pricing strategy, improving beach tourism activities as well as the quality of beach tourism related products and to reduce the degree of pollution in local beaches.
Impact of Organizational Culture on Career Development of Women Employees in Hotel Industry: Special Reference to Northern Province
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Sowmiya, A.; Herath, H.M.W.M.; Damunupola, A.K.A.
The aim of this study was to identify the impact of organizational culture on career development of women employees in hotel industry. Based on a comprehensive literature review, the authors adopted five dimensions of Hofstede’s organizational culture namely, power distance, collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation and their influence to study how organizational culture could influence the career development of women employees in hotel industry. The study mainly considered the primary data. The primary data were collected through a structure questionnaire with 140 respondents from selected hotels in Northern province. Univariate and bivariate techniques were used in the data analysis. The results showed that organizational culture highly impacted on the career development of women employees. Furthermore, the dimensions of collectivism showed a high positive and significant impact on career development of women employees. The findings of this study have various managerial implications for hotels and other industries. Keywords: Power distance, Uncertainty avoidance, Masculinity /Femininity, Long term orientation & career development
Impact of Social Networking Sites Service Quality on Travel Decision of International Tourists (Special Reference to Sri Lanka)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Karunarathna, M.D.S.M.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Kulathilake, C.J.P.
It is a well-known fact that travel and tourism industries are highly inter-related, despite the concepts focus on two different aspects. According to literature, social media has been recognized as one of the main factors which greatly influenced travel decision of international tourists. The main objective of the paper is to analyse the impact of social networking sites on travel decision making behaviour of international tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 200 tourists who visited Colombo and Galle districts of Sri Lanka by using a structured questionnaire. Furthermore, convenient sampling technique was applied to select the sample. A regression analysis was carried out to accomplish the objectives of the study and results reveal that there is a strong positive relationship between the influence of social networking sites service quality and travel decision making behaviour of international tourists. Moreover, ‘Motivation’ has been identified as the most influential dimension under the independent variable which needs to be improved further to influence the travel decision making behaviour of tourists. Social media marketing campaigns, online competitions and blogging in social networking sites about destinations and attractions of Sri Lanka could be recommended to influence the decision to visit and also to act as a motivation factor in travel decision making by the international tourists.
Impact of Workplace Bullying on Employee Job Performance in Hotel Industry; Special Reference to Four-star and Five-star Hotels in Southern Province
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Gunawardena, C.D.W.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Ranaweera, R.A.A.K.
In today‟s competitive business environment, human resources are one of the most critical assets particularly for service-based organizations. One of the most important factors which may affect employees‟ job performance is workplace bullying from employers and colleagues at large. It is considered as a negative and unethical issue which may degrade, humiliate, and create a risk to a healthy working environment. Bullying at the workplace is a very serious issue and can be found in every other organization. This study mainly focused on identifying the impact of workplace bullying on employee job performance in the hotel industry in Southern Province, Sri Lanka, further it investigates the dimensional (i.e. work-related bullying, person- related bullying) impact on job performance. The study adopted a questionnaire survey for a sample of- 132 respondents selected through convenience sampling from four-star and five-star hotels. In order to achieve research purpose, three hypotheses were tested. The results of the correlation and regression tests found workplace bullying negatively impacts on employee job performance. Hence the employees who experience bullying at work should be given adequate support in order to reduce the negative consequences of bullying on employee well-being and job performance. Moreover, the findings of the study provide numerous implications for human resources practitioners to increase employee performance and maintain a bullying free environment in the Hotel industry. Further, it hopes that outcomes of the study will contribute to the current knowledge of workplace bullying and job performance. According to the study findings, workplace bullying negatively impacts employee job performance in the hotel industry in Southern province, Sri Lanka and person-related bullying is the most influential factor for job performance in that industry. Keywords: Workplace bullying; Work related bullying; Person related bullying; Job performance; Human resources; Hotel industr
The Impacts of Entertainment Events on Host Community with Special Reference to Hikkaduwa
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Liyanage, V.S.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Sutha, J.
Sri Lanka has proved to be one of the fastest growing tourist destinations for most type of tourism, especially events tourism. Events are widely recognized to generate many impacts on the host communities and other stakeholders. However the impacts of the events have not been considered in the Sri Lankan context in past few decades. Therefore this research mainly focuses on the entertainment event tourism sector and its impacts on the economy, socio-cultural and environment of the host community. Furthermore, the study identifies the existing strategies for development of host community needs in the research area. The researcher selected 20 event tourism stakeholders who lived in Hikkaduwa area using the convenience sampling method. Semi-structured interviews are conducted to gather the data. Local event organizers, government administrative staff and host community in Hikkaduwa area are interviewed and their views and opinions are used as the basis of the researcher's analysis from which findings and recommendations are derived. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis using NVivo 11 pro software. By using thematic analysis method, infrastructure development, income generation, living standards, illegal activities, cultural influence and waste management were identified as the main themes. A general conclusion is that entertainment events affect host communities positively by constructing a destination image & building community commitment and negatively by illegal activities, disturbances & pollution. Findings of this study recommend to improve the collaboration & networking among stakeholders, increase positive cultural influences and to raise awareness of the host community about event tourism.
The Negative Effect of Perceived HRM Practices on Work Family Balance of Female Employees’ (With Special Reference to Five Star Hotels in Colombo District)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Dissanayaka, D.M.C.D.; Sutha, J.; Damunupola, A.K.A.
HRM practices are a set of activities to guidance and operate human capital in the work place and work family balance is a method of balancing personal and professional lives. Hotel industry is providing a wide verity of service and amenities for their focused clientele. However, in hotel industry failed to provide initiatives and facilitation to balance work and family, when concerning about the HRM practices. Specially in female employees’. HRM practices can be influenced to the employees positively as well as the negatively and it will be affected to create high turnover culture in hotel industry. Due to concerning about this consequences, the purpose of this research was to find the negative effect of perceived HRM practices on work family balance of female employees’ in five star hotels in Colombo district. Identified negative effects can be raised on work family balance via HRM practices which are negatively affecting the work family balance of female employees’. This study has been based on conceptual indicator model built up using by literature review and final conceptual indicator model developed by referring to the research objectives. Qualitative research was conducted through semi structured interviews under convenience sampling method by using 30 operational level female employees in five star hotels in Colombo district. Thematic analysis explored the nature of work, work schedule inflexibility and lack of quality of supervision as negatively effects on work family balance. The study concluded that, the majority (90%) of respondents’ the work family imbalance is existing and there were negative influences on work family balance of female employees’. This study provide work family policies and effective training and counseling as recommendations for employees’ perspective to increase their work family balance and management perspective to enhance overall employees’ perception regarding their current job.
Passenger Service Agent’s Perception on Health and Safety Practices at CMB Airport during Covid 19 Pandemic
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Kumarasiri, W.M.I.; Damunupola, A.K.A.; Idroos, A.A.
The global aviation industry is one of the most sensitive industries in the globe. The serious spread of the Covid 19 pandemic across the globe introduced a new social distancing culture to the entire world. Since airport service staff are highly exposed to this virus with the travelling crowds this study aims to examine the effectiveness of newly introduced health and safety practices for the passenger service agents at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB). To in-depth understand the scenario study employed a qualitative approach while conducting structured interviews. Study gathered data from (X) respondents and analyzed them with thematic analysis. Accordingly, study findings revealed that pre Covid health and safety practices and novel practices positively contributed in maintaining an appropriate worker perception to conduct their job roles at the airport. In particular, the study findings will be useful for the front-line staff working in the tourism and hospitality industry to take necessary actions to prevent the rapidly spreading Coronavirus. Further, findings will disclose important health and safety related information to the HR managers, health authorities and other business stakeholder groups to better understand the critical situation. Further, findings will also provide valuable insights on the significance of establishing prompt monitoring mechanisms and implementing effective and preventive measures to control the spread of Covid-19 global pandemic Keywords: COVID-19, Airport service agents, Employee perception; Health and safety practices

Browsing by Author "Damunupola, A.K.A."

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