Title: High performance work systems and employee performance: the moderating and mediating role of power distance

Authors: Ishraat Saira Wahid; Sheikh Ashiqurrahman Prince

Addresses: School of Business, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, House 56, Road 4/A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1209, Bangladesh ' Department of Management Studies, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Goplaganj-8100, Bangladesh

Abstract: The telecom industry of Bangladesh has been considered to be one of the fastest growing service sectors in the country. Due to its rapid growth and intense competition, employees play a pivotal role in the success of organisations. Culture is one of the most widely covered topics in the international business arena. It is evident that cultural differences between countries may increase or decrease the relationship between high performance work systems (HPWS) and performance. The present research aims to discover the impact that HPWS have on employees' performance. The study has established a conceptual framework based on the knowledge gap identified. The findings indicate that HPWS have a positive impact on employee performance, and that power distance mediates and moderates the relationship between HPWS and employee performance. In light of the above evidence, the research raises the alarming issue of 'brain drain' regarding the Bangladeshi context.

Keywords: HPWS; high performance work system; multinational corporations; ability-motivation-opportunity theory; resource based view; human resource management; power distance; Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2020.113127

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2020 Vol.13 No.6, pp.755 - 778

Received: 29 Sep 2020
Accepted: 01 Oct 2020
Published online: 19 Feb 2021 *

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