Do high-performance work systems really satisfy employees? Evidence from China

Abstract

Our study aims to examine the outcomes ofWestern-based high-performance work systems (HPWS) from two separate workplace events (job discretion and work intensification) in a Chinese context. Based on Affective Events Theory (AET), employee reactions and job satisfaction may vary depending on their working environment. We applied hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to analyze data collected from 34 human resources managers and 354 employees working in the Chinese manufacturing and service industries. Our study demonstrates that workplace events based on HPWS may influence employees' feelings and job satisfaction. Job discretion makes employees feel positive and increases their job satisfaction while work intensification is seen as negative by employees and reduces their job satisfaction. However, results also show that HPWS fail to bring increased satisfaction to employees due to job discretion. This study supports previous studies that not all HPWS may lead to positive outcomes when internal stakeholders' well-being is not considered. Without considering long-term investment in employees, it is challenging for organizations to maintain their competitiveness and meet their goals. Further research is suggested to include more study of different contexts and time frames while examining the outcomes of HPWS.