How discretionary HR practices influence employee job satisfaction: the mediating role of job crafting

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between discretionary human resource (HR) practices and job satisfaction, as well as the mediating role of job crafting in the relationship between discretionary HR practices and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 302 employees working in an information and communications technology (ICT) industry in Turkey. Structural equation modelling and bootstrapping procedure were used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The findings suggest that discretionary HR practices are significantly and positively related to employees' job satisfaction. The results also show that discretionary HR practices stimulates job satisfaction through job crafting.

Research limitations/implications

Because this study was conducted using a cross-sectional research methodology with data acquired from the same source, conclusions concerning the causality of the variables cannot be inferred. The findings in this study have significant implications for human resource practitioners and business owners who invest in their employees to enhance both employee and organizational performance. The findings show that investment in HR practices prompt employees to be more proactive in devising measures and ways of performing their jobs which increases their job satisfaction hence bringing about desirable and favorable organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

This study adds to the growing body of research on the relationship between HRM and job satisfaction by investigating at the predictive influence of discretionary HR practices as well as the mediating role that job crafting plays.

Citation

Ekmekcioglu, E.B. and Nabawanuka, H. (2023), "How discretionary HR practices influence employee job satisfaction: the mediating role of job crafting", Employee Relations, Vol. 45 No. 3, pp. 776-793. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-07-2022-0326