The Link between Employee Relationship and Workplace Productivity – Case Study

Authors

  • Dr. Pushkala Muralidharan Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Dubai, UAE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47941/hrlj.3950

Keywords:

Employee Engagement, Conflict Management, Grievance Handling, Workplace Relationships, Training, Equity

Abstract

Purpose: The general purpose of the study is to explore employee relations practices within the context of UAE labor laws and current workplace trends. The aim is to study how the company manages its workforce, handles grievances, promotes employee engagement, and prepares for future challenges.

Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative case study research design to examine employee relations practices within Dulsco group. A case study approach was considered appropriate because it allows for an in-depth exploration of employee relations within its real organizational context. The study seeks to understand the experiences, perceptions, and interactions of employees and management, rather than merely measuring relationships through numerical indicators.

Findings: The case of Dulsco shows how businesses in the MENA region can improve employee relations by focusing on fairness, training, and engagement.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Fair disciplinary procedures to manage grievances, formal redundancy strategy, employee engagement and participation, training managers to handle challenges in employee relationships, respect for cultural diversity and following UAE labor laws have ensured performance efficiency and effectiveness, promoted employee loyalty and preserved workforce stability.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Dr. Pushkala Muralidharan, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Dubai, UAE

Associate Faculty

References

Addison, J. T., & Teixeira, P. (2020). Trust and workplace performance. British Journal of Industrial Relations, 58(4), 874–903. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjir.12517

Agha, K., & Fitzsimmons, J. (2022). Examining the Significance of Corporate Social Responsibility in Building Employee Value Proposition and Brand Value in the United Arab Emirates. In Marketing Communications and Brand Development in Emerging Markets Volume II: Insights for a Changing World (pp. 183-210). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

ALBreiki, M. S., & Abu Elanain, H. M. M. (2025). Organizational justice and employee megaphoning in the UAE: The role of employee–organization relationship. Journal of Asia Business Studies, 19(4), 954–972. https://doi.org/10.1108/JABS-07-2024-0385

Blau, P. M. (1964). Exchange and power in social life. John Wiley & Sons.

Connell, J. A., & Burgess, J. (2020). The labour market, immigration and the building of Dubai. International Employment Relations Conference. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341775002_The_Labour_Market_Immigration_and_the_Building_of_Dubai

Cropanzano, R., & Mitchell, M. S. (2005). Social exchange theory: An interdisciplinary review. Journal of Management, 31(6), 874–900. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206305279602

Cummings, J. C. (2018). The Price Is Rights: Getting the United Arab Emirates up to International Speed in the Labor Law Department. Brook. J. Int'l L., 44, 410.

Dulsco. (2023). Sustainability Report 2023. Retrieved from https://www.dulsco.com/ .The group gathered information from internal records and informal discussions with HR staff at Dulsco Group.

Dustar, M., & Esmailzadeh, M. (2014). Organizational justice and its effects on employees’ voice and performance. Journal of Management Improvement and Transformation Studies, 22(72), 143–163.

Haak-Saheem, W., Wilkinson, A., Brewster, C., & Arnaut, M. (2025). Expatriate voice: The effects of nationality and social status. Human Resource Management Journal, 35(1), 154–182. https://doi.org/10.1111/1748-8583.12554

Kahn, W. A. (1990). Psychological conditions of personal engagement and disengagement at work. Academy of Management Journal, 33(4), 692–724. https://doi.org/10.2307/256287

Khassawneh, O., Mahdi Abaker, M. O. S.,. (2022). Human resource management in the United Arab Emirates: Towards a better understanding. In HRM in the Global South (pp. 103–128). Springer. Retrieved From https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360634680_Human_Resource_Management_in_the_United_Arab_Emirates_Towards_a_Better_Understanding

Kim, J., MacDuffie, J. P., & Pil, F. K. (2010). Employee voice and organizational performance: Team versus representative influence. Human Relations, 63(3), 371–394. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726709348936

Manikas, I., Sundarakani, B., Madmoune, A., & Alvares, R. (2022). Integrated supply chain sustainability for mega-events: An empirical study of Dubai expo 2020. Event Management, 26(6), 1409-1432.

Mayer, R. C., Davis, J. H., & Schoorman, F. D. (1995). An integrative model of organizational trust. Academy of Management Review, 20(3), 709–734. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1995.9508080335

Ramadan, A., Muhammad, M. M. M., & Yusuf, A. A. (2023). Solving Individual Labor Disputes Online in accordance with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Labor Law No.(33) of 2021. Journal of Law and Emerging Technologies, 3(1), 13-32.

Suliman, A., & Al Kathairi, M. (2013). Organizational justice, commitment and performance in developing countries: The case of the UAE. Employee Relations, 35(1), 98–115. https://doi.org/10.1108/01425451311279438

Downloads

Published

2026-08-27

How to Cite

Muralidharan, P. (2026). The Link between Employee Relationship and Workplace Productivity – Case Study. Human Resource and Leadership Journal, 11(6), 16–21. https://doi.org/10.47941/hrlj.3950

Issue

Section

Articles

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.