High-performance work practices (HPWPs) in determining success of South African companies : fact or fiction?

Abstract

Background: The aim of the research was to examine the application of HPWPs within South African companies. The study was undertaken due to a lack of empirical knowledge regarding the presence of HPWPs in South African companies.

Objectives and Methodology: A quantitative study, using an HPWP questionnaire developed by the University of Texas (USA), was used to gather the data via the CATI process. Exploratory factor analysis, Pearson’s product-moment correlations and the Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance were used to analyse the data statistically.

Findings: The presence of HPWPs within South African companies is not significant, irrespective of age and size, and serious weaknesses exist in areas such as job design strategies, job and work characteristics, and the application of reward schemes. The findings show that a holistic approach to the use of HPWPs is required, failing which, companies will find themselves experiencing low productivity and low job commitment levels.

Contribution: A unique HPWPs scale for benchmarking South African companies is presented, which may be used to identify weaknesses and strengths, and allow companies to correct their weaknesses and capitalise on their strengths.