Razzak, B M, Blackburn, Robert and Saridakis, George (2022) Employees’ working life and performance of UK ethnic minority restaurants: a qualitative approach. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 29 (1). pp. 47-67. ISSN 1463-5771 (doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-08-2020-0436)

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Abstract

Purpose – This paper investigates the linking between employees’ working life (EWL) and job performance of ethnic minority Bangladeshi restaurants in Greater London.
Design/methodology/approach – The authors use in depth face-to-face interviews of 40 participants working in 20 Bangladeshi restaurants (BRs) following a convenience sampling method. A thematic analysis technique, with the help of QSR N10, developed two key themes related to EWL and performance.
Findings – These themes highlight several aspects of the relationship between EWL and performance. First, EWL is “beyond” the UK tradition; employers show a domineering attitude; however, employees continue to work due to lack of skills and competence. Second, employees perceive and present themselves as satisfied; however, this satisfaction is not reflected in the business performance of BRs. Third, the analysis shows that business owners “trap strategy” constrains employees to develop their skills for mobility to other industries. Hence, employees express satisfaction with their existing situation on the basis that it is the best they can hope for, given their specific skills and competence, and need for some security in the UK. Fourth, non-financial performance, for example, job autonomy, sense of fulfilment is related to EWL.
Practical implications – The paper provides a framework to promote a better understanding of the linking between employees’ working life and performance of UK ethnic minority restaurants. Also, the paper makes recommendations for further research, including an examination of the applicability of the findings to SMEs operated by other ethnic groups in the UK.
Originality/value – This paper adds to the scarce literature on the working life of people in Bangladeshi restaurant businesses in the UK and the relationship between EWL and business performance.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited
Uncontrolled Keywords:	employee working life; performance; job satisfaction; Bangladeshi restaurants; thematic analysis
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HF Commerce H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Business Faculty of Business > Centre for Work and Employment Research (CREW) Faculty of Business > Department of Human Resources & Organisational Behaviour
Last Modified:	12 Jun 2023 09:22
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/42994

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