Browsing by Author "Darshani, R.K.N.D."

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An analysis of the awareness of adolescent pregnancy among advanced level school children in selected girls' schools in western province, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka., 2023) Darshani, R.K.N.D.; Dissanayake, K.G.C.; Rodrigo, B.K.M.P.
The Annual Health Bulletin (2019) stated, the teenage pregnancies (16-19 age) were increased from 13.8% (2018) to 17.1% (2019). Analyze effective methods for prevent adolescent pregnancy by determining the impacts of Peer Influence, Socio economic status, knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and knowledge of safety measures of pregnancy towards awareness maternal healthcare education related to adolescent pregnancy were objectives of this ethically approved study. Adolescent girls (16-19 years) in Advance Level science classes [N1 = 34,328 (Colombo: 14,835, Gampaha: 11,882, Kalutara: 7,611)] of National girls schools [N2 = 72 (Colombo:37, Gampaha: 17, Kalutara: 18)] in Western Province are the aimed population. The Sample (Andreessen table; 5% margin error) was collected by validated questionnaire according to Proportionate Stratified Sampling Method [n1 = 378 (Colombo: 163, Gampaha: 131, Kalutara: 84); n2 = 4 (Colombo: 2, Gampaha: 1, Kalutara: 1)]. As per the results, most of participants were Sinhala, Buddhists, unmarried, unemployed and few had experiences of violence. And few participant’s mothers and siblings had adolescent pregnancies and few of them live with their single mothers. Students live in moderate to low socio-economy with moderate to high peer influence. and they had moderate to low knowledge of safety measures of pregnancy, moderate to high knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and moderate to high awareness of healthcare education related to adolescent pregnancy. And there were significant positive impacts towards awareness of healthcare education related to adolescent pregnancy from knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases, knowledge of safety measures of pregnancy and peer influence. And there was no significant impact from socio-economic status to awareness of healthcare education related to adolescent pregnancy. The results were confirmed by the pilot study of adolescent pregnant ladies. Therefore, this study is certified that the awareness of healthcare education can be developed through knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases, knowledge of safety measures of pregnancy by the support of peer influence for prevent adolescent pregnancy from Sri Lanka.
Auditor-Client Relationship as a Source of Value Addition for Audit Firm: A Descriptive Study of Audit Firm in Sri Lanka
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Gayani, K.A.U.,; Peiris, M.D.P.; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Today value-adding activities are more critical than profit-maximizing in an organization, businesses are concern about the value addition to the organization in deep manner. Relationship building with the client chain can be defined as a major source that adds value to the organization. Even though the previous scholars have identified the necessity of value-adding activities in the service sector their focus towards the auditing sector in Sri Lankan context is low. This is a qualitative deductive study sample was selected in purposive sampling among the population of ManagersAssurance, Senior Audit Associates and Audit Associates grade 1 & 2 from Kreston Sri Lanka. Individual interviews, focused group interview and observations were conducted to gather data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Results of the study identified as there is a direct impact between auditor’s commitment, communication effectiveness and audit tenure in order to add value to the audit firm. Further, it recognized that there is a moderate impact between auditor’s perceptions towards the client and value addition. Human beings can follow the above results while interacting with others in their routine. This research limited only to the Sri Lankan context one audit firm other audit firms can implement to their context also.
Factors Influencing the Innovation Capability of SMEs in Hambantota District
(Department of of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Ramanayake, G.P.; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Small and medium-sized enterprises play a vital role in the economies of every developing country. Innovation capability is a key in achieving success of Small and medium-sized enterprises in a competitive environment. However, factors which determine the innovation capability are yet to be inconclusive. This study investigates the factors that influence the innovation capability of Small and medium-sized enterprises in the Hambantota district. The study primarily investigated the effect of Organizational culture and Intellectual capital on the Small and medium-sized enterprises' innovation capabilities. The deductive and quantitative research approach was applied. The sample was selected using snowball sampling. Primary data were collected from 98 Small and medium-sized enterprises in the Hambantota district using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical techniques such as correlation analysis and regression analysis were used in the data analysis. The result reveals that there is a significant moderate positive relationship between organizational culture and innovation capability, and there is a strong positive relationship between intellectual capital and innovation capability. It was also found to be that there is a significant impact on organizational culture and Intellectual capital on innovation capability. Thus, Small and medium-sized enterprises should have a well-focused strategic plan enriched with the intellectual capital to enrich their innovation capabilities and, owners and employees must increase the knowledge of the Organizational culture in their organizations. The present study would provide small and medium businesses, Management practitioners, government, small and medium enterprise development policy makers, and future researchers.
The Impact of Health & Safety Practices on Work Stress: A Study with Special Reference to Operational Employees of ABC Packaging (Pvt) Limited
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Sandaruwan, M.G.J.,; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Health and safety practices are essential factors which considered affecting the work stress. In many times organizations try to reduce the high stress of workers of the organizations. For that, they use several methods, which support to reduce the stress of workers. The study was conducted to determine the impact of health and safety practices on work stress regarding the Paper Sacks manufacturing company. The researcher used the quantitative approach for the study. The methodology adopted for this involves deductive, reviewing existing literature related to the research theme and primary data. Primary data have been collected through a structured questionnaire. The sample was selected using a Simple Random sampling technique and ninety of the operational level employees were selected as samples for this study. The respondent rate was 90% of the population. To test the hypothesis was concerned with the relationship between health practices and work stress correlation was applied. It is found that there is a perfect negative impact of health and safety practices on work stress and there is a negative relationship between health and safety practices and work stress. It is recommended to do more health and safety relate studies in this context and also improve more health and safety practices throughout the organization and it leads to maintain the employees’ stress at an effective level.
The Impact of Job Designing on Job Performance of Employees: A Study with Special Reference to Employees in SANASA Development Bank PLC of Kegalle District
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Samaraweera, S.A.H.C.,; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Employee job performance is one of the critical factors which decides the survival of any organization. The performance of employees is crucial for any bank, to compete with other financial institutions in the industry. The literature suggested that job designing plays a vital role in the success of the job performance of employees in the workplace. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of job design on job performance of employees in Sanasa Development Bank (SDB) PLC of Kegalle district. Based on the literature, a conceptual model was developed. The study adopted already validated research instruments. The modal was empirically tested by collecting data from the employees in SDB bank. A total of 75 employees were selected for the study using the random sampling technique. This investigation explored the relationship between job designing and job performance. The study reveals that there is a positive relationship between job designing and job performance and there is a positive impact between job design and job performance. Hence, it can conclude that employees' job performance depends on the job design(ing).
The Impact of Leadership Styles on Employee Engagement: A Study with Reference to Ceylon Electricity Board
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Samarasinghe, E.K.I.U.,; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Leadership is one of the most important factors which impact employee engagement. Generally leaders try to enhance the output of the organizations. For that, they use several leadership styles. The study was performed to determine the impact of leadership styles on employee engagement with reference to Ceylon Electricity Board Western Province South II. The researcher used a quantitative, deductive approach for the survey study. Primary data have been collected through a structured questionnaire. The study was conducted using a convenience sampling technique of Ceylon Electricity Board WPS II. The unit of analysis was individual level. Above Non Executive level employees were taken as respondents in this study. Data were collected from 155 respondents. The results of the study showed a positive, strong relationship between leadership style and employee engagement in Ceylon Electricity Board WPS II. The impact between leadership styles on employee engagement was explored theoretically and tested empirically in service sector organizations in Sri Lankan context.
The Impact of Mindfulness on Employee Job Performance: A Study of Banking Sector Employees in Sri Lanka
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Sampath, G.A.,; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Even though many determinates of employee performance are founding extend literature, mindfulness is little investigated, and the effects on employee performance in the Sri Lankan context, it is not adequately studied yet. Bridging the gap in the context, the current study assessed the impact of mindfulness on employee performance in the banking sector of Sri Lanka. The current study was conducted under the quantitative, deductive approach and cross-sectional, field study among a sample of one hundred and thirty-four employees selected from leading three banks, following the convenience sampling technique. Primary data were collected through a standard questionnaire distributed via Google forms and printed on papers through a survey. It is found that there is a moderate positive relationship between mindfulness and employee performance, and also a positive impact of mindfulness on employee performance is found. It is recommended to do more mindfulness related studies in this context and also recommended to have training and development and mindfulness more focus on mindfulness building to get the outcome of employee performance.
The Impact of Psychological Capital on Job Performance of Non-Academic Staff of University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Sandamali, K.G.I.,; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Work performance is essential for any organization to compete in the industry. Organizations major task should be related to uplift the efficiency and effectiveness of the employees in order to accomplish the desired goal and objectives of the organization as well as employees. Psychological capital is modern concept even though many determinates of performance are founding in existing literature. Psychological capital is no investigated and its effects on employee performance on in Sri Lankan context not has publish research yet. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of psychological capital on performance level of NonAcademic staff members of University of Kelaniya. To analyze this condition, there are four hypotheses was formulated under the dimensions of Independent variable using deductive approach. The methodology adapted for this involves, reviewing existing literature related to the research theme and primary data. Primary data have been collected through structured questionnaire. The study was conducted by using a random sample of the University of Kelaniya. Type of investigation was correlation and it was cross-sectional on time horizon. The unit of analysis was individual level. Measures of the study were of good quality after assuring reliability and validity. Data were collected from 250 respondents which was 93% response rate. In order to test the hypotheses that was concerned with relationship between psychological capital and performance level of Non-Academic staff members in University of Kelaniya. The results of the study showed a significant moderate positive relationship between Psychological Capital and Performance level of Non-academic staff members of University of Kelaniya. The current study found that by improving the Psychological Capital of the staff University of Kelaniya, it will be possible to increase the performance of their non-academic staff.
Impact of Psychological Well-Being on Women Career Development
(Department of of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Rajapakshe, H.M.K.; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
According to the empirical and theoretical findings, psychological well-being on women career development has identified as a major concern relating to the working women. The study was aimed to identify the impact of women employees’ psychological well-being on women career development. A quantitative study was done to build a conclusion to the study. Cross-sectional, an online survey was carried out to collect primary data from 196 responses selected using the simple random sampling technique. Moreover, variables based and dimension based seven hypotheses were formulated to test their impact on the dependent variable. Further, hypotheses were tested using survey techniques and result interpretations using descriptive statistics, multivariate assumptions, correlation studies, regression analysis, etc. It was found that psychological well-being has a significant positive impact on women career development. In the same time, dimensions of psychological well-being have shown a positive impact on women career development. Human Resource policymakers, professionals, and practitioners are required to practice and provide motivational and engagement programs, enabling equal career opportunities, eliminating discrimination practices to uplift women in their career and their potential outcomes, and developing and restoration of their level of psychological well-being while enabling overall employee well-being. Female competency development programs with assigning of coaches and mentors lead women to develop their careers. However, by achieving a realistic preview on their competencies, women can utilize their strengths while mitigating their weaknesses to face challenging career opportunities. Finally, the researcher suggested conducting qualitative research using a wider scope, sample, and multiple variables to strengthen the study’s current findings.
Impact of Telecommuting on Social Isolation during Covid-19 Pandemic
(Department of of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Ranasinghe, S.N.S.; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Telecommuting became the norm for many workplaces due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Telecommuting is used by many organizations worldwide due to the development of technology and the ability to minimize the risk of transmission severely. However, prolonged periods of telecommuting have made the remote workers feel isolated away from the regular workplace. Having understood the said literature, a study was initiated to identify telecommuting's impact on social isolation during COVID-19. This was carried out as a qualitative, cross-sectional study comprising of 18 respondents in the Western province. Convenience sampling was used to select the sample. Data were collected via focus group interviews held online, and the trustworthiness was tested through thematic analysis. It was found that there is a significant impact of telecommuting on social isolation during COVID-19. The themes of work-life balance increased support, reduced interactions, difficulty in performing the job, and isolation were recurring themes brought up by the respondents. It is recommended to build more interactive communications systems and online team building programs as recommendations for this issue. The findings of this research serve as a guideline for organizations and telecommuters in the country.
Impact of Work Life Balance on Turnover Intention of Working Mothers after Pregnancy in Private Banking Sector
(Department of of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2020) Ranasingha, C.D.; Darshani, R.K.N.D.
The impact of work-life balance on working mothers' turnover intention after pregnancy has been well documented, although previous theoretical explanations and empirical it does not match the findings of the relationship. Thereby, the current study examines the impact of work-life balance on working mothers' turnover intention after pregnancy in the banking sector. The study was quantitative, and a field study was followed. Data was collected through a survey study. Convenience sampling technique was applied to select the sample, and the final sample consisted of 105 working mothers from three private banks in Sri Lanka. It was found that there is a significant impact of work-life balance on turnover intention of working mothers after pregnancy. According to the analysis results, work-life balance found to have a negative impact on turnover intention. It was also found that there is a significant moderate negative correlation between work-life balance and turnover intention of working mothers. Organizations should offer flexible work scheduling and focus on implementing work-life balance policies like these help in reducing turnover intention and retain the employees for a more extended period of time in organizations. Further research studies are suggested to determine the impacts of above-mentioned variables and factors by using broad geographical coverage and large samples in cross-industry, which will add more insights to the present study's substance.
The need of listening and presentations skills for managers
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Reclaiming the Space of Social Entrepreneurship: A Case from Cosmetology Industry
(Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Darshani, R.K.N.D.
The concept of social entrepreneurship has been differently identified by diverse researchers leading to contradicting definitions. Therefore, claiming social entrepreneurship is still questionable in literature. As an answer to this contradicting findings and ideas of social entrepreneurship in literature, the current case study focused in explaining the social entrepreneurial characteristics and the behavior in cosmetology industry since very little attention has been given to cosmetology firms when recognizing social entrepreneurial ventures. There, the case study highlights the social entrepreneurial features are exist in cosmetology firms and addresses local efforts by targeting problems that have a local expression with a global relevance. Moreover, the case study elaborates how the firm tackle unmet socio-economic needs with an innovative way.
A Review of the Modes of Conflict Management and the Managerial Grid Model of Leadership
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Darshani, R.K.N.D.
Managing conflicts in organizations has become a crucial factor since it is dependent on incompatible goals and individual differences. Conflicts are inevitable. Hence managing conflicts where it can de-motivate the dysfunctional conflicts and to motivate functional conflicts became a prudent factor within the organizations. Literature identifies five ways of dealing with conflicts; Compromising, Accommodating, Competing, Collaborative and Avoiding styles. These conflict management styles should be practiced wisely since it should comply with the situations. Nevertheless, when taking decisions on conflict management the leadership styles also may make influences. According to the Managerial Grid five leadership styles are traced; Country club style, impoverished style, Middle- of – the road style, produce or perish style and Team style. This findings of this study renders a relationship between each leadership style and the practicing conflict management style which is complied. These attributes are highly based on the behaviors of the managers/leaders hence it is the way of eliciting their attitudes and decisions when dealing and managing conflicts. The researcher relates the compatibility with each leadership style and the conflict managing style and traces the relatedness of each. Further, reviewing literature the researcher clarify the need for practicing different conflict management styles regardless of the leadership style in accordance with the situation.
Visionary Social Entrepreneurs Bring increasing profits to Organizations
(International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 2016) Darshani, R.K.N.D.
The concept of social entrepreneurship has been differently identified by diverse researchers leading to contradicting definitions. Therefore, whether visionary social entrepreneurship results in increasing profits is a questionable in the research world. As an answer to these contradicting findings and ideas of social entrepreneurship in literature, the current study focused in explaining the characteristics and the behavior of social entrepreneurial ventures in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the focus of the study is to explain how visionary social entrepreneurship leads to create profits and to gain increasing profits in a sustainable way.