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Poachers and gamekeepers: processes of class-based organizational closure and usurpation in Sri Lanka's emerging private sector

Fernando, Weerahannadige Dulini Anuvinda; Cohen, Laurie

Authors

Weerahannadige Dulini Anuvinda Fernando

Laurie Cohen



Abstract

In a qualitative study based on 25 interviews, we examine highly skilled workers’ accounts of class-based closure in emerging occupational sectors in Sri Lanka. Our findings reveal holes in the entrance criteria firms demanded to secure their elite status. Highlighting how individuals who were excluded at junior levels negotiate entry at mid/senior levels, we show how ‘poachers turn into gamekeepers’, illuminating the dialectical relationship between exclusion and inclusionary usurpation. We contextualise organisational closure, highlighting the influence of wider societal effects on the process.

Citation

Fernando, W. D. A., & Cohen, L. (2016). Poachers and gamekeepers: processes of class-based organizational closure and usurpation in Sri Lanka's emerging private sector. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 28(15), 2184-2207. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2015.1128463

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 11, 2015
Online Publication Date Jan 20, 2016
Publication Date Jan 1, 2016
Deposit Date Jun 25, 2018
Journal International Journal of Human Resource Management
Print ISSN 0958-5192
Electronic ISSN 1466-4399
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 28
Issue 15
Pages 2184-2207
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2015.1128463
Keywords Class, closure, career, recruitment and selection
Public URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09585192.2015.1128463.
Publisher URL https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09585192.2015.1128463?journalCode=rijh20