High-performance work systems, learning orientation and innovativeness: the antecedent role of environmental turbulence

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this paper is to empirically examine whether environmental turbulence leads to the adoption of high-performance work systems (HPWS) and learning orientation (LO) in organizations and, if so, how these two elements contribute to innovativeness. Past research studies widely demonstrated that HPWS and LO are strong determinants of innovativeness. This study incorporates environmental turbulence as an antecedent and explains the interactions between these concepts. Design/methodology/approach This paper involves a questionnaire-based survey of 233 firms. For hypothesis testing, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. Findings The results revealed the antecedent role of environmental turbulence in HPWS and LO. Additionally, HPWS and LO mediated the relationship between environmental turbulence and organizational innovativeness. Research limitations/implications This research has the limitations of a cross-sectional study design. The study draws out some implications for firms facing turbulent conditions and intending to increase their innovativeness by stimulating a learning culture and focusing on human capital through HPWS. Originality/value The overarching contribution of this study is to test the assumption that organizations initiate changes in their internal systems as a response to environmental turbulence. By doing so, the study enriches current studies by exploring the mediator role of HPWS and LO between environmental turbulence and innovativeness. This research also contributes to the literature by demonstrating the antecedent role of environmental turbulence in HPWS for the first time. Additionally, it provides evidence for the relationship between environmental turbulence and LO.