Human Resource Governance and Workplace Safety: Unpacking the Compliance-Motivation Nexus in Dhaka’s Garment Factories

Abstract

The garment sector in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a significant contributor to the national economy, yet it faces persistent challenges in maintaining workplace safety. This paper explores the role of human resource (HR) governance in balancing compliance with labor laws and motivating workers to enhance safety outcomes. Drawing on extensive literature and a case study of selected garment factories in Dhaka, the study reveals that while compliance mechanisms are increasingly being enforced, they often fall short without corresponding attention to worker motivation and organizational culture. The research finds that effective HR governance must integrate regulatory compliance with intrinsic and extrinsic motivational strategies to create a sustainable safety culture. Recommendations are offered for policy and managerial interventions, with suggestions for future research to deepen understanding in this critical area.