Exploring the Nature of Human Resource Management Practices at Family Businesses in Palestine

Abstract

This article provides substantial and current information on HRM knowledge and practices in Palestine and particularly explore the nature of HRM practices at family businesses within Palestinian context.
The population consisted of all Palestinian family businesses employ 50 employees and above. Data was collected by means of a written questionnaire sent to all Palestinian family firms.
Questionnaires were distributed and interviews were conducted with managers including HR managers.
Findings show that family firms are far away from applying HRM practices and some family firms apply it partially and sporadically. The study leads to a better understanding of family firms in Palestine.
Recommendations to the owners and managers of family businesses to change the attitudes and values of family firm’s management staff through organization development sessions and techniques to devote more effort for human resources by applying human resource management practices.
Key words: Human resource management practices; Family businesses