High Performance Work Systems and Innovative Work Behavior Among Telecom Employees: The Roles of Organizational Climate for Innovation and Psychological Empowerment

Abstract

In order to survive in today’s fast-changing environment, it is critical for organizations to keep innovating. The current study examines the relationship between high-performance work systems (HPWS)—a bundle of interrelated human resources (HR) practices—and employees’ innovative work behavior (IWB). Drawing from multiple theoretical perspectives, this study also aims to investigate the mediating roles of organizational climate for innovation and psychological empowerment. Based on structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses of the data collected from 710 individuals from six major telecommunication organizations in Thailand, the results showed that the effect of HPWS on employees’ IWB was fully and sequentially mediated by perceived climate for innovation and psychological empowerment. These results suggest that employees are more likely to show IWB if they perceive the presence of HR practices that promote innovation climate and enhance their ability, motivation, and opportunity.