An examination of the moderating effect of electronic-HRM on high-performance work practices and organisational performance link

The purpose of this paper is to examine electronic-HRM (e-HRM) as a contingency factor moderating the relationship between high-performance work practices (HPWP) and organisational performance. It also explores the hypothesised relationship within the Middle Eastern context.

An empirical study was conducted on Jordanian firms operating in both financial and manufacturing sectors. The final research sample consisted of 118 questionnaires. The data were analysed using partial least squares through Smart PLS.

The findings show support for the hypothesised relationship. In particular, this study shows that both HPWP and e-HRM have a significant positive influence on organisational performance. The results also revealed that e-HRM moderates the HPWP-performance link.

Overall, these findings support previous claims that the adoption of HPWP contributes to organisational success. In particular, firms operating in the Middle Eastern region could improve their performance by implementing HPWP. It also confirms the vital role of e-HRM on improving the positive influence of HPWP on organisational performance. Thus, managers may consider investing in e-HRM system in order to enforce the contribution of HPWP to the effectiveness of their firms.

This study represents a first attempt to measure e-HRM as a possible moderating variable in the HPWP and organisational performance link. Such moderation would be a contribution to the strategic HRM field as very recent research calls for studies that examine new intermediary variables in an attempt to unlock the “black box” in the HPWP and performance link.