• Raissa Mugisha
• Dr. Irechukwu Eugenia Nkechi

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to examine the extent of alignment of human resource practices to business strategy, case of Coca-Cola bottling Company, Rwanda. The study was guided by three specific objectives which were to determine the alignment of performance management practices to business strategy, to establish the alignment of employee engagement to business strategy and to investigate the alignment of employee Selection to business strategy at Coca-Cola bottling Company, Rwanda. The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide insights into how the alignment of human resource practices with business strategy—specifically focusing on performance management, employee engagement, and employee selection—can enhance successful implementation of business strategies. By examining these key HR practices within Coca-Cola Rwanda, the study aims to contribute to the broader understanding of how multinational companies operating in Africa can adapt global HR models to local conditions, addressing challenges such as skills gaps, cultural dynamics, and economic constraints. The study drew upon theoretical frameworks such as the resource-based theory, expectancy theory and contingency theory. To achieve these objectives, a descriptive survey design was employed, aiming to provide an accurate and systematic description of the population, situation and phenomenon under investigation. The target population was 95 employees from Coca-Cola Company. The sampling technique used was census sampling ensuring higher representativeness and minimizing the potential for bias. A digital questionnaire was distributed to gather primary data. A pilot test was conducted to examine the questionnaires validity and reliability. The collected quantitative data was subsequently coded and entered into statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS version 26.0) for analysis using descriptive statistics with use of mean and standard deviation and, inferential statistics by the use of Pearson correlation(r) and multiple linear regression analysis .The presentation of the analyzed data was in the form of charts and tables, facilitating clear visualization, interpretation and discussion of the findings. The study found that the alignment of performance management practices, employee engagement and employee Selection had positive statistically significant influence on business strategy in Coca Cola Bottling Company, Rwanda. On employee engagement, the study concluded that employing elements such as the use active listening, the use of financial and non-financial reward measures and having strong core values and beliefs at Coca Cola Bottling company had ensured a more dynamic and adaptable organizational culture, reduced staff turnover, increased productivity; building better work and customer relationships. On the alignment of performance management to business strategy, the study concluded that the various performance management techniques used by the Company had improved the Company’s ability to overcome crisis and adopt to a hybrid working structure, improve employee morale and ensure employee growth. Finally, on the alignment of employee Selection, as demonstrated by the use of a variety of employee Selection criteria, it had ensured seamless transitions, minimized disruptions and maintained uninterrupted business operations. The study recommended that the company should monitor and control the alignment of HR practices to business strategy to ensure that the practices adopted conform to the dynamic business environment. This can boost employee satisfaction and performance, helping the business to achieve its strategic objectives and increase their influence and decision-making power across the organization.

Human Resource Practices, Business Strategy, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Rwanda

"Alignment Of Human Resource Practices And Business Strategy A Case Of Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Rwanda", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 10, page no.f332-f351, October-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2410530.pdf

"Alignment Of Human Resource Practices And Business Strategy A Case Of Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Rwanda", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 10, page no. ppf332-f351, October-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2410530.pdf