Why Do High-Performance Human Resource Practices Matter for Employee Outcomes in Public Sector Universities? The Mediating Role of Person–Organization Fit Mechanism

Based on the attraction–selection–attrition (ASA) framework, this research aimed to investigate the mechanism which affects the link between high-performance human resource practices (HPHRPs) and the two negative employee outcomes of the present study: emotional exhaustion and quit intentions. Using the ASA framework, the authors examine one such mechanism namely person–organization (P-O) fit, through which HPHRPs influence both the studied employee negative outcomes. A sample of professionals working in the public sector universities of Pakistan is adopted for testing the mediation model by using structural equation modeling. Findings reveal that HPHRPs have positive association with P-O fit, and negative with emotional exhaustion and quit intentions. Moreover, the findings illustrated a full mediation effect of P-O fit on the relationship among HPHRPs and both of the employee outcomes. The study has important theoretical and practical implications.