Post-Privatization Reorientation of Employee Relations: A Case Study of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)

Pakistan Telecommunication Company, Pakistan's Mother Bell was privatized in 2005 with 26% shares and management control handed over to Etisalat (a UAE based telecom company). This research looked at the reorientation of employee relations at privatized PTCL comparing pre privatization (1997-2005) model with post privatization (2006-2012) model and efficiency gains in reorganized telecom market. The new management strives to improve workplace environment (employer-employee relations) by reorientation of employee relations (ER). This study helps in enhancing the organizational performance of PTCL by comparing the employee relations in the pre & post privatization era. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed containing 60 ER sub-factors focusing on factors like; ethics, justice & fair treatment, relationship with managers, manager's capabilities, labor relation & unionization, employee rights and employee safety & health issues. The respondents in the survey had more than 10-years of experience at PTCL. This study will be helpful for the PTCL and other corporations undergoing privatization process and intend to improve employee relations at their workplace. Results show ethics, justice & fair treatment, relationship with managers and safety and health issues need improvement in the post era whereas the role of management in controlling the union activities is significant in the post era.