Understanding the Relationship between Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) and the Role of Employee Learning and Development

Abstract of the DissertationUnderstanding the Relationship between Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) and the Role of Employee Learning and DevelopmentThis research study examined the relationship between the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) in organizations within the food industry. The study investigated the role played by employee training (learning) and development programs in food processing and manufacturing organizations. This quantitative study utilized two survey instruments to understand the implementation of GFSI and the relationship to the HPWS in the food industry through the enhancement of learning and development as a strategic and competitive option. Data were collected through an online survey using the High Performance Learning Systems Inventory (HPLSI) instrument. SPSS statistical software was used in analyzing the research hypotheses. The following conclusions were arrived at:1. There were no differences between GFSI and non-GFSI organizations when it came to performance score on the HPLSI.2. The GFSI program is an audit-oriented system and is more short-term focused than long-term focused. 3. The GFSI standards or schemes are different from each other in their requirements and implementation processes.4. Larger organizations with more than 100 workers tended to be more prepared to implement changes such as new quality and management systems.The significance of this study was its contribution to the empirical evaluation of learning (training) and development at the organizational and systems levels in organizations within the food industry. The study also identified the rate of GFSI implementation by organizations within the food industry and recommended types of improvement needed to make the implementation more successful throughout the global food supply chain.

Author

• Torwudzo, Charles K.

Language

• en

Keyword

• Factors of production
• organizational environment
• Global food safety initiative (GFSI)
• Learning and change
• Continous feedback loop
• High performance work systems (HPWS)

Date created

• 2014

Type of Work

• Dissertation

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Human & Organizational Learning

Degree

• Ed.D.

Advisor

• Marquardt, Michael J

Committee Member(s)

• Bates, Reid A
• Smith, Ennie J

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/4x51hj13m