Browsing by Author "Gunasekare, U.L.T.P."

Now showing 1 - 20 of 21

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON GENERAL DECISION MAKING STYLES OF MIDDLE LEVEL MANAGERS BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS IN SRI LANKA
(Research Symposium 2010 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2010) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.; Morawakage, P.S.
In this study decision making styles of middle level managers in three government departments and three private companies were studied to find out their general decision making styles and further a comparison was done between these two sectors. Literature sl,lggests five decisions making styles such as rational decision making, institutive decision making, dependent decision making, avoidant decision making and spontaneous decision making. These five decision making styles were observed among the selected sample and questionnaire GDMS instrument developed by Scott and Bruce (1995) was administered among twenty numbers of managers in each sector. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results disclosed that there is a vast different between government sector and private sector middle level managers in making decisions. Most of the government managers display dependent and avoidant decision making styles while private sector managers display rational and spontaneous decisions making styles. Key words - general decision making styles, rational decision making, institutive decision making, dependent decision making, avoidant decision making ,spontaneous decision making.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance of Listed Food and Beverage Tobacco Companies in Sri Lanka
(4th International Conference for Accounting Researchers and Educators, Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Thilakshi, T.N.H.; Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
CSR has become a greater important area of research among researches in the financial area in recent years. Most of entities perform CSR activities for its stakeholders than shareholders. This has led to the emergence of new dimension in financial reporting known as social responsibility reporting. It is not mandatory in Sri Lanka as in many other countries. Hence CSR disclosures are provided in the voluntary disclosures (Abeysinghe & Basnayake, 2013). This study was carried out to identify the level of CSR disclosure and its relationship with financial performance in listed Food and beverages tobacco sector companies in Sri Lanka. Study consisted 15 food and beverages tobacco sector companies as the sample. The study was carried out using secondary data. Data were obtained by using annual reports of the selected companies over the last ten years starting from 2008 to 2017. The financial performance of the companies was measure by using ROE. CSR disclosure was measured by using Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI G4 guidelines). The results revealed that the level of CSR disclosure in food and beverages tobacco sector companies in Sri Lanka was at moderate level. The level of CSR disclosure for last ten years was positive and with incremental trend. CSR subcategories (Social, Environment) also had positive incremental trend except economic categories. Finally study showed that level of corporate social responsibility disclosure was, significantly related with corporate financial performance in food and beverages tobacco sector companies in Sri Lanka. Also level of disclosure of CSR subs categories (social, environmental & economic) and financial performance has a positive relationship with each other
Critical Leadership Qualities for Good Corporate Governance
(Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Corporate governance is a process that aims to allocate corporate resources in a manner that maximizes value for all stakeholders – shareholders, investors, employees, customers, suppliers, environment and the community at large and holds those at the helms to account by evaluating their decisions on transparency, inclusivity, equity and responsibility. Corporate Leadership need to be attentive in effecting good corporate governance and for this purpose they should possess specific leadership characteristics. The goal of this paper is to analyze the concept of good governance and the concept of leadership to propose specific leadership characteristics to strengthen good corporate governance. This study is significant in recruiting corporate leaders, training and motivating them for the betterment of the good corporate governance in the business world today. Scientific literature analysis was the main methodology employed in this regard and it is indicated that competence, accountability, integrity, relationships, values and steadiness are essential leadership qualities in effecting good corporate governance.
Emotional Stability: from the Buddhism Lens
(2015) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.; Dissanayaka, D.R.
An Empirical Study of Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory with Operational Level Employees of Private Banks in Sri Lanka
(2011) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.; Kulathunga, K.M.K.N.S.
Employee Performance Evaluation Practices in Export Oriented Garment Factories
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2002) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Exploring the Factors Influencing Employee Turnover Intention: With Special Reference to the Shared Service Operations Section
(Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2020) Warnasuriya, A.G.H.M.; Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Employee turnover is well studied topic in literature but least monitored problem in organizational settings. There are many factors leading to employee turnover and these factors appeared to have less coherent in different situations. This study is focused on shared service sections of organizations that is mostly common business practice today. The study conducted with the aim of identifying the factors influencing employee turnover intention of Shared Service Operations section of the organizations and the relationship of those factors with the employee turnover intention. Based on the literature review, six factors that may influence the employee turnover intention were found. This research study focused on the employee turnover intention that can lead to the Unwanted Employee Turnover (UET) due to the various reasons such as; high job stress, poor working environment, high workload, poor work life balance, low pay and benefits & job dissatisfaction. The sample of 200 employees representing different age, gender and job levels were selected randomly. The findings of the study will provide useful insights about employee turnover intention in shared service operations sector. Further, the results of this study are most important to the human recourse departments of shared service operation sector to reduce employee turnover intention of their organizations.
The Impact of Mobile Banking on Customer Satisfaction: Evidence from Licensed Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka
(Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2020) Amanadi, M.D.P.; Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Mobile phones have created a platform to expand commercial transactions in a very easy manner and have created a wide array of business opportunities through the expansion of wireless communication. Hence, it is clear that mobile banking would be an attractive way of providing banking services and also it could contribute to the development of a country through the promotion of better financial services. Therefore, this research focuses primarily on identifying the impact of mobile banking services on customer satisfaction in Commercial banks in Sri Lanka. This study used mainly primary data collected through a survey questionnaire. 200 customers who are registered as mobile users and actively using mobile bankng service were selected as the sample for this study. The implications can be useful for designing marketing promotional campains of mobile banking services of commercial banks. Further, the bank manager would be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing mobile banking services from the perspective of customers.
The Impact of Perceived Retaliation Threat on Whistleblowing Intention in Sri Lankan Banking Industry
(Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Kulathunga, Y.O.; Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
This study examines the factors influencing whistleblowing intentions in the Sri Lankan Banking Industry, focusing on the role of perceived retaliation threat compared to attitudes and subjective norms. Using a quantitative research approach, data was collected and analyzed through correlation and regression analyses to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings reveal that both attitudes and subjective norms positively influence whistleblowing intentions, with subjective norms emerging as a stronger predictor. Contrary to the existing literature perceived retaliation threat, negatively correlated with whistleblowing intention, showing that it did not significantly predict the intention to blow the whistle. This study suggests that in the context of the Sri Lankan Banking Industry, positive attitudes and the perception of supportive social norms are more influential in shaping an individual's intention to engage in whistleblowing than the fear of retaliation. The study's results contribute to the understanding of whistleblowing dynamics in a specific cultural and professional context, highlighting the importance of fostering positive organizational cultures and supportive social environments to encourage ethical whistleblowing practices. These insights are crucial for developing effective strategies and policies to support and protect whistleblowers in the banking sector.
Mission Statements in the Leisure Industry: Are they Strategic?
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Organizations summarize their goals and objectives in mission statements and it is widely believed that mission statements significantly impact on strategy and organizational performance. Therefore crafting an effective and attractive mission statement is significant due to these strategic benefits. This study intends to extract the mission statements of twenty companies in the leisure industry in Sri Lanka and analyze the components using the Nine Points Scale approach of Fred R. David to determine how strategic they are. Thus this study is significant, to look at the appropriateness of the mission statement as a strategic tool in serving its intended duty. Therefore the findings would be useful to rethink, if they find their mission statements are poorly crafted. The companies possibly refine their competitive landscape by reformulating this strategic tool in the process of competitive positioning. The contents of mission statements of twenty companies were reviewed and ranked using David’s (1987) model that employs nine components in assessing a mission statement. The study found that the companies operating in leisure industry in Sri Lanka have crafted their mission statements including some of important components specified by Fred R. David. It mainly reflects that they are moderately strategic in formation of mission statements for their companies.
Mixed Research Method as the Third Research Paradigm: A Literature Review
(2015) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Organization Culture and its Impact on Firm Performance with Special Reference to Listed Companies in Sri Lanka
(4th International Conference for Accounting Researchers and Educators, Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Minzan, M.N.M.; Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
The goal of this study is to identify the impact of organization culture on firm performance in listed companies in Sri Lanka. Further we set apart the findings relating to different industries and compared how firm performance changes in manufacturing and service organization as culture differs. The purpose of this study to know; how culture of an organization assists or hinders the organizational performance. Return on Investment and earning per share was used to measure the organizational performance. Our main focus is on Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory and its role in increase organizational performance. Structured questionnaire used, which consisted of four parts of Hofstede’s culture dimensions (power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism and masculinity) were employed. The samples was selected through random stratified sampling at sample size of 50 with companies covering both service and manufacturing industries in western region and survey data use from around 150 respondent which include both manager and employees. Quantitative research approach was followed and adopted survey method in which a questionnaire is used to collect the data. Regression and mean models used to test the research hypothecs. The study variables consisted of both dependent variables and independent variables, with organization culture being the independent variable and performance as dependent variable. The findings revealed that culture has a strong impact on company financial performance while uncertainty avoidance and power distance clearly indicated major association with organizational culture
Organizational Commitment of Sri Lankan Managers and Its Determinants
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2002) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Organizational Politics in Sri Lankan Business Organizations
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Organizational politics is endemic to organizations and it is unavoidable by its nature. People come to work situations with many goals, not just one unified goal. These goals invoke conflict and competition among workers for the expenditure of scarce resources. So organizational politics involves amassing organizational power for personal benefits, rather than organizational objectives. Organizational politics can adversely affect organizational productivity. Organizational politics can be functional as well to the organizations. Therefore this study attempts to ascertain most common political behaviors in Sri Lankan business organizations which could be employed for the meaningful positive outcomes. In revealing the genuine thoughts regarding their political behaviors, the study employed qualitative research techniques. Study revealed that five political behaviors most frequently exist were selectively using information, managing impressions, and generating support for ideas, praising others and building coalitions. Finally the paper discusses how these political behaviors could be utilized for constructive organizational effects as practical implications.
Personal Attributes of Trainee Accountants
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Talented employees are the cornerstones of a competitive advantage for many organizations. If an organization competes based on new ideas, outstanding customer service or quick and accurate decisions, having excellent employees is critical. Various employers have faced shortage of workers who have the appropriate Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA). However when the business cycle goes up and down the demand for labor changes and the job related attributes the employers seek from the applicants also get change. This study aimed at identifying the most significant job related personal attributes that the recruiters look for among the trainee accountants in their recruitment process. The major objective is to identify and ranks these attribute according to their significance in the eye of the recruiters. For this study only the job related personal attributes were taken in to account. The methodology employed for this study was a survey done using paper advertisements appeared on weekend newspapers that were advertised to be recruited only for trainee accountants. 300 numbers of advertisements were reviewed for this task. Positive and result oriented attitudes, stress resistance skills, ability to work in a team, ability to have network with various stakeholders and interpersonal sensitivity are the most significant job related personal attributes that the recruiters seek form the trainee accountants. Of least important were the writing skills, geographical location of the applicant, adaptability, maturity and ability to work independently. This study may encourage the trainee accountants to develop these skills within them. It will further give guidance to the curriculum developers to consider in the process of curriculum development for trainee accountants.
The Relationship between Bank Specific Factors and Bank Profitability: Evidence from Licensed Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka
(Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2020) Jayasooriya, H.M.U.S.; Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Banking sector in Sri Lanka plays a key role in the economic development. It is normally agreed that a solid and healthy banking system is a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth. The profitability of the Sri Lankan commercial banks measured by the Return on Assets (ROA). It has been performed a stronger percentage in recent compared to the other SAARC counties. In Sri Lanka, the profitability of commercial banks has not been investigated; there is no clear understanding on what internal (firm-specific) factors influence their corporate financing decision. The objective of this research is to identify the relationship between bank specific factors and bank profitability. Data is collected from Sri Lankan commercial banks in Sri Lanka for 9 years from 2011 to 2019. A panel of 12 commercial banks were incorporated for the study to improve the accuracy and reliability of the research. This paper uses the pooled Ordinary Least Square (POLS) method to analyze the data. The empirical results have found that bank size, assets management under bank specific factors have a significant influence on the commercial banks profitability in Sri Lanka.
The Role of Whistleblowers in Detecting and Preventing Employee Fraud in Licensed Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Study
(International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 2024) Fahra, M.F.F.; Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
The research on employee fraud within licensed commercial banks in Sri Lanka focused on assessing the perceived effectiveness of whistleblowing, identifying motivational factors, and exploring challenges faced by whistleblowers. The Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze data collected through in-depth interviews with 21 executives from 7 licensed commercial banks. The findings of the research indicated that while there is a high perceived effectiveness of whistleblowing, there are areas that require improvement in whistleblowing policies, reporting mechanisms, rewards, support, and recognition provided to whistleblowers. The interviews also revealed a need to enhance employee awareness regarding whistleblowing. The research serves as a reflection of the current state of whistleblowing in Sri Lankan banks. It highlights the importance of strengthening and fortifying the whistleblowing system for the future. The key lessons learned emphasize the shared responsibility of organizations, regulators, and society in creating an environment where whistleblowers are not only recognized but celebrated for their crucial role in combating fraud. The research concludes with a call to make whistleblowing more than just an act of bravery but to celebrate and support it as an integral part of ensuring the integrity of banking systems.
Self Determination Theory (SDT): A Review on SDT as a Complementary Theory of Motivation
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Self-Determination theory is a comprehensive theory of motivation of human behavior supporting that humans are naturally growth oriented and seek out relationships, connections and challenges that aid humanistic growth and develop their authentic self. This paper discusses the Self Determination Theory (SDT) as a theory of motivation to enlighten the understanding of organizational researchers and practitioners to complement the application of traditional motivation theories. SDT provides a useful conceptual tool for motivating people from extrinsic motivation to intrinsic autonomous motivation. The extensive literature review on motivation from the SDT perspective was carried out in this study which yielded a significant new understanding of work motivation, and it further suggests opportunities to utilize the theory for research on work-related phenomena. Furthermore, the review provides insight in to how fulfillment of autonomy, competence and relatedness result in self-regulated human motivation. The Implications of the study and suggestions for further research are presented.
Study of Sustainability Reporting Practices of Listed Companies in Colombo Stock Exchange
(Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2020) Eishwara, W.E.D.R.S.; Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.
Sustainability reporting is now accepted as a widespread measurement of corporate performance among large, global corporates which signify the commitment toward economic, environmental and social aspects caused by its everyday activities. It is an effective policy mechanism that is utilized as a strategic initiative among many corporates. In this regard the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines provide a set of reporting principles, standards disclosures, and implementation manuals for sustainability reporting that should be publicly disclosed. Since it is still not mandatory but voluntary, few corporates in Sri Lanka have adopted so far and it is therefore required to raise the attention of corporate world in order to proceed reporting practices transparent and accountable. This study investigates the current state of sustainability reporting in Sri Lanka and identify the firm characteristics affecting to adaptation of Sustainability Reporting. The sample comprised of 72 companies from the 285 of listed in companies Colombo Stock Exchange covering 5 years (2015- 2019). The state of sustainability reporting for each company for each year was computed and both a graphical analysis using line charts were utilized and used trend analysis to achieve the study objective. Finally, multiple regressions were conducted to identify the relationships between firm characteristics and the state of sustainability reporting. The findings of the study will useful for listed companies and other interested parties about sustainability reporting to gain a understand about the current state of sustainability reporting and trends in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, they can identify the factors that affect to the sustainability reporting.
Unseen Barriers for Women Career Advancements in Sri Lanka
(2015) Gunasekare, U.L.T.P.; Ratnayake, G.K.