Abstract:
Understanding the relationship between high performance work systems (HPWS) and
organisational performance is becoming increasingly important to gain and sustain a
competitive advantage. In the current challenging economic climate, organisations are facing
major challenges to do more with less. Thus, the investments in resources such as people are
increasingly under scrutiny to provide returns on investment. HPWS have been positively
associated with organisational performance, but organisations are not reaping the full benefits
of HPWS. Both managers as well as HR professionals can gain from a deeper understanding
of HPWS and the link to organisational performance.
The research investigated HPWS through the use of semi-structured interviews. The ten
respondents were all highly experienced, senior HR professionals who provided valuable
insights and opinions into the complex relationship between HPWS and organisational
performance.
The valuable insights and experiences, shared by the respondents, allowed for the
development of a management model of the organisational factors that influence the
effectiveness of HPWS. The results of the research could contribute to managers and HR
professionals in contributing to the management of HPWS.
