Strategies to Reduce Maquiladora Employee Absenteeism in Mexico

Strategies to Reduce Maquiladora Employee Absenteeism in Mexico by Antonio Cachazo MBA, University of Texas at El Paso, 2005 BSBM, University of Phoenix, 2002 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April, 2018 Abstract Employee absenteeism is a costly problem, affecting organizations’ ability to deliver products and services. Finding strategies managers use to help reduce employee absenteeism is critical to sustain operational capacity, control labor costs, and to achieve organizational success. Drawing from the Herzberg 2-factors theory, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore strategies implemented by six businessEmployee absenteeism is a costly problem, affecting organizations’ ability to deliver products and services. Finding strategies managers use to help reduce employee absenteeism is critical to sustain operational capacity, control labor costs, and to achieve organizational success. Drawing from the Herzberg 2-factors theory, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore strategies implemented by six business organizations to reduce employee absenteeism in the maquiladora industry in Mexico. Through semistructured interviews, 11 management participants shared strategies implemented to reduce absenteeism. In addition, other data sources, such as organizational policies, management graphs, and meeting minutes were used. Data were coded and analyzed revealing 7 themes: (a) organizational support, (b) leadership quality, (c) compensation and benefits, (d) disciplinary actions, (e) recognition, (f) work environment, and (g) staffing policies. The research findings may contribute to business practice by providing organizational managers broader perspectives for the development of strategies to effectively manage employee absenteeism. These findings might also contribute to social change by improving organizational communication, supporting workers’ personal needs, recognizing employees’ contributions, enhancing relationships with supervisors, improving the work environment, and raising employee take-home pay. Strategies to Reduce Maquiladora Employee Absenteeism in Mexico by Antonio Cachazo MBA, University of Texas at El Paso, 2005 BSBM, University of Phoenix, 2002 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April, 2018 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to my late father, Mauricio Antonio Cachazo Muñoz who inspired me through his example, support, guidance, dedication, professionalism, and achievement to pursue the highest level of academic and professional success. To my mother, Clecia Mercedes D’ Jesus de Cachazo, who has taught me that every challenge can be overcome with discipline and perseverance, and provide me with unconditional care, guidance, and love. To my children, Alejandro Cachazo and Bryant Cachazo, thank you for your support, understanding, and love during long, arduous journey with me. I hope this experience serves you as an example to follow your dreams desires in pursue of a happy, productive, meaningful life for you and those around you. And most importantly, I dedicate this work to my loving, caring, and very supportive wife, M. Esther Anguiano. You have witness, encouraged, cheered, and been by my side during the effort, dedication, sleep deprivation, and struggles through this journey. I love you and forever. thank you. Acknowledgments First, I would like to express my gratitude to my Chair, Dr. Kathleen Barclay, for her guidance, timely feedback, patience, and support needed to complete the DBA journey and fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor of business administration. I would like to also acknowledge my second committee person, Dr. Godwin Igein and the URR, Dr. Annie Brown, for their helpful and timely responses.