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Looking into the black-box: analysis of the effectiveness of human resources strategy

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Listed:
  • Isidro Pena Garcia Pardo

    (Faculty of Law and Socials Sciences of Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain)

  • Ma del Valle Fernandez Moreno

    (Faculty of Law and Socials Sciences of Ciudad Real, Ciudad Real, Spain)

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown a positive relationship between Human Resources Management (HRM) and firm performance. However, in spite of the variety of studies, adopted approaches and statistical methodologies to be found, it has not been possible to clarify the exact manner and conditions under which HRM can become a source of competitive advantage. This can be explained by the fact that most empirical works have ignored mediating hypothesis and merely examined the direct relationship between High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) and firm performance. This article, attempts to gain further insights into such an analysis by integrating the two main theoretical approaches in this field: The Resource Based View (RBV) of firm and Behavioural Theory. Using a sample of 62 financial firms we examined this mediating and moderating effect of Human Capital and HR Outcomes on the HPWS – Business Performance linkage. Hierarchical Regression Analysis revealed that HPWS was positively related to firm performance, Human Capital and HR outcomes. In addition, the level of Human Capital and HR outcomes mediate the relationship between HPWS and firm performance. These results shed new light on the mechanisms through which HPWS impacts business performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Isidro Pena Garcia Pardo & Ma del Valle Fernandez Moreno, 2009. "Looking into the black-box: analysis of the effectiveness of human resources strategy," Zbornik radova Ekonomskog fakulteta u Rijeci/Proceedings of Rijeka Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics and Business, vol. 27(1), pages 31-56.
    • Handle: RePEc:rfe:zbefri:v:27:y:2009:i:1:p:31-56
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Harvie Ramsay & Dora Scholarios & Bill Harley, 2000. "Employees and High‐Performance Work Systems: Testing inside the Black Box," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 38(4), pages 501-531, December.
    6. Casey Ichniowski & Kathryn Shaw, 1999. "The Effects of Human Resource Management Systems on Economic Performance: An International Comparison of U.S. and Japanese Plants," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 45(5), pages 704-721, May.
    7. J. A. Molina & R. Ortega, 2003. "Effects of employee training on the performance of North-American firms," Applied Economics Letters, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(9), pages 549-552.
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    Cited by:

    1. Naveed R Khan & Marinah Awang & Che Mohd Zulkifli, 2013. "Enhancing HR Outcomes through Best HR Practices and Organisational Commitment: A Conceptual Schema for SMEs," Indian Journal of Commerce and Management Studies, Educational Research Multimedia & Publications,India, vol. 4(1), pages 24-32, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    human resources management (HRM); resource-based view of the firm; behavioral theory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation

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