This research explores the challenges faced by hotels in Malaysia, in formulating and implementing strategic human resource management (SHRM). The study addresses the lack of empirical research into SHRM in Malaysian hotels at a time of rapid growth in the Malaysian tourism industry. Building on current debates regarding strategic HRM, including SHRM and business strategy integration, and the role of HR as a strategic partner, this research explores the relationship between human resource management and business strategies, and the challenges of HRM strategy realisation. The thesis has a particular focus on Recruitment and Selection, and Training and Development, as these two functions lie at the heart of how businesses access and develop the critical skills required to implement SHRM initiatives.\ud
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The study is conducted from a constructivist ontological stance coupled with an interpretivist epistemology. A set of three semi-structured interviews, involving the Chief Executive Officer, HR professional and line manager, were conducted in five leading hotels. Three additional interviews were conducted to gain feedback on the study’s topic from individuals with HR and/or hotel industry expertise. Data were analysed using a priori and data driven coding following King’s (2004) template analysis method.\ud
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This research reveals challenges in formulating and implementing strategic HRM exist within Malaysian hotels from three analytical levels, namely, organisational, industry and societal. The challenges include the readiness of HR as a strategic partner, the absence of clearly-defined HR-related key performance indicators, labour scarcity, and government policies relating to labour and education. Although this exploratory research may not be generalisable to all Malaysian hotels, its insights into SHRM challenges may be transferable to other similar hotels and resorts. Discussion of the practical implications of the study’s results highlight the actions recommended as necessary for the three target audiences, namely, Hotel Managers (which include CEOs/General Managers, HR professionals and line managers), the Malaysian Association of Hotels, and the Government, to improve professional practice pertaining to strategic human resource management in Malaysian hotels