Unpacking the relationship between high-performance work systems and innovation performance in SMEs. Issue 4 (2nd May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shahzad, Khuram; Arenius, Pia; Muller, Alan; Rasheed, Muhammad Athar; Bajwa, Sami Ullah
• Is Part Of: Personnel review. Volume 48:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 977
• Page End: 1000
• Publication Date: 2019-05-02
• Subjects: Innovation -- Quantitative -- Employee voice -- High-performance work systems -- Small- to medium-sized enterprises (SME) -- The ability -- motivation and opportunity framework; Personnel management -- Periodicals; 658.3005
• DOI: 10.1108/PR-10-2016-0271
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0048-3486

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the black box between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and innovation performance in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through application of the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework, the study examines the mediating roles of innovation-specific ability, motivation and voice behaviors between HPWS and SMEs' innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach: The hypotheses are tested on data collected through a self-administered questionnaire from 237 SMEs in Pakistan. Findings: Findings indicate that human capital, motivation and employee voice fully mediate the relationship between HPWS and innovation performance in SMEs. Research limitations/implications: The cross-sectional research design and self-reported measures warrant caution for the interpretation of findings. Future research may consider a longitudinal research design and objective measures. Practical implications: SMEs need to invest in the adoption and implementation of HPWS that will develop innovation-specific abilities, motivation and voice behaviors simultaneously among employees that will lead to higher innovation performance. Originality/value: This is the first study of its kind utilizing an AMO framework to investigate the underlying mechanism through which HPWS affect innovation performance in SMEs.