Can high-performance work systems (HPWS) promote organisational innovation? Employee perspective-taking, engagement and creativity in a moderated mediation model
ISSN: 0142-5455
Article publication date: 15 May 2020
Issue publication date: 16 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Reviewing Human Resource Management (HRM) and innovation literature, an identified gap exists in the mechanism in which the association between HRM and innovation is happen. To respond, the current study has suggested a moderated mediated mechanism to explain the link between HRM, through its new High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) and organisational innovation, as employee engagement mediates the relationship between HPWS and employee creativity. Then later one has subsequent influence on organisational innovation; moreover, the model also considers the moderating role of employee perspective-taking between HPWS and employee engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative-deductive causal method, along with a cross-sectional approach was adopted, and SMEs in Jordan were the focus for the present study, through targeting employees in Research and Development centres. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire answered by 272 employees and Structural Equation Modelling using SMART-PLS was used for the statistical analysis.
Findings
The results confirmed that employee engagement fully mediated the relationship between HPWS and employee creativity and accounted for 69.5% of the variance; additionally, perspective-taking as a moderator of the relationship between HPWS and employee engagement was confirmed. Moreover, employee creativity significantly predicted organisational innovation to moderate levels.
Originality/value
The study suggested a unique mechanism for the link between HPWS and organisational innovation, contributing to the suggested gap that could have numerous variables acting as mediators or moderators which require further investigation to explore other possible mechanisms.
Keywords
Citation
Al-Ajlouni, M.I. (2021), "Can high-performance work systems (HPWS) promote organisational innovation? Employee perspective-taking, engagement and creativity in a moderated mediation model", Employee Relations, Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 373-397. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-09-2019-0369
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited