High-performance work practices do much, but H.E.R.O does more: an empirical investigation of employees' innovative behavior from the hospitality industry

Abstract

PurposeDrawing motivation from Lawrence Bossidy's quote and leaning on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, in this study, the authors aim to investigate the role of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) and psychological capital (H.E.R.O) in employee innovative work behavior (EIB).Design/methodology/approachThe study is banked on a hypothetico-deductive approach. The relationships were measured by gathering data from 375 frontline service employees through structural equation modeling.FindingsThe study results indicate a positive impact of HPWPs on EIB. Moreover, the association between HPWPs-EIB is mediated by psychological capital (PsyCap).Research limitations/implicationsThe current study contributed to the innovation research stream by determining driving forces that encourage employees to exhibit innovative work behaviors.Originality/valueEmployee innovative behavior has become imperative for organizational survival and success in an ever-changing global business environment. Owing to this organizational significance, employee innovative behavior continues to gain burgeoning research attention. Despite the rising scholarly interest in studying employee innovative behavior, there is a dearth of knowledge about how innovation can be fostered at the individual level, particularly among frontline service employees. Hence, to bridge this research gap, the present study intends to analyze the influence of high-performance work practices on employee innovative work behavior, mediated by psychological capital.