Premium
Beyond the High‐Performance Paradigm: Exploring the Curvilinear Relationship between High‐Performance Work Systems and Organizational Performance in Taiwanese Manufacturing Firms
Author(s) -
Chi NaiWen,
Lin Carol YehYun
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
british journal of industrial relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.665
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1467-8543
pISSN - 0007-1080
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8543.2010.00778.x
Subject(s) - work systems , organizational performance , curvilinear coordinates , contingency theory , industrial organization , business , contingency , perspective (graphical) , work (physics) , manufacturing , knowledge management , operations management , process management , marketing , computer science , economics , engineering , mechanical engineering , linguistics , philosophy , geometry , mathematics , artificial intelligence
In this study, we explore the potential downside of the ‘high‐performance’ paradigm by examining the curvilinear relationship between high‐performance work systems (HPWS) and organizational performance and the moderating effects of the industry type. Using data from Taiwanese manufacturing firms, we find an inverted‐U pattern between HPWS and organizational performance in high‐technology firms ( N = 74), and a linear relationship in traditional manufacturing firms ( N = 86). These findings are consistent with the viewpoint of diminishing returns of HPWS and the contingency perspective. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are also discussed.