The Human Resources Engagement in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract

The study sought to evaluate the importance of the elements of human resources engagement in the pharmaceutical industry. The aspects included meaningful work, hands-on management, positive work environment, growth opportunity, and trust in leadership. Furthermore, it was assessed according to respondent’s profile by sex, age, civil status, number of years working as a Medical Representative, number of years in present company, and work assignment. The researcher employed the descriptive method of research in order to uncover the variables and quantitative methods using Statistical tools for hypotheses testing. The respondents were 490 Medical Representatives coming from local and multinational pharmaceutical companies. Results showed that growth opportunity and trust in leadership were deemed to be the most important elements of human resources engagement when grouped according to sex and number of years of work as Medical Representative. The researcher has drawn the conclusion that specific factors need to be considered like increased time and engagement, cross training opportunities, modern performance management, self-directed and dynamic learning, working closely with cross-functional teams, mission and purpose, and regularly meet with teams. Apparently, the demographic factors such as sex, civil status and number of years working as a Medical Representative, needs to be taken into consideration as well especially in the implementation of Human Resource (HR) activities like talent acquisition, training and development, and performance management. The following are recommended: expose Medical Representatives to jobs that adhere to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); provide cross-training opportunities for expanded roles based on strengths and capabilities; training methodologies that adapt to modern workplace learning; review performance management systems; opportunity to collaborate with enabling functions; sustain culture building activities; and give and accept feedback through coaching and mentoring sessions.