High-performance work practices and organisational performance in small firms: the role of guanxi. (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yen, Yu-Fang; Wang, Hsing-Kuo; Kao, William
• Is Part Of: Total quality management & business excellence. Volume 27:Number 5/6(2016)
• Page Start: 628
• Page End: 646
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: high-performance work practices -- guanxi -- organisational performance -- China; Total quality management -- Periodicals; Quality control -- Periodicals; Quality assurance -- Periodicals; Production management -- Quality control -- Periodicals; 658.401305
• DOI: 10.1080/14783363.2015.1032924
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-3363

Abstract

Abstract : This study adopted a contextual perspective to explore how interpersonal relationships in Chinese societies affected the relationship between high-performance work practices (HPWPs) and organisational performance. Interpersonal relationships, or guanxi, in the context of Chinese culture were discussed, and five manufacturing firms were examined using a qualitative case-study approach. The results revealed that HPWPs comprised cross-departmental training and education, performance-oriented evaluation, long-term client relationships, attractive salaries, teamwork, and morality. In addition, the results suggested that types of firm guanxi include external, inter-organisational, and intra-organisational guanxi. Intra-organisational guanxi directly affected HPWPs, whereas inter-organisational guanxi directly influenced organisational performance. External guanxi moderated the relationship between HPWPs and organisational performance. These findings contribute to academic research and practical applications.