Do high-performance work practices promote an individual's readiness and commitment to change? The moderating role of adaptive leadership

Purpose Utilizing the social cognitive theory, this study aims to suggest that organizations that promote high-performance work practices (HPWPs) are instrumental in fostering an individual's affective commitment to change through the explanatory process of an individual's readiness to change. In addition, high adaptive leadership would also strengthen HPWPs and readiness to change relationships. Design/methodology/approach This study tested the hypotheses using a temporally segregated research design across three time waves (n = 337). Findings This study found support for the direct, mediating, moderating and mod-med hypotheses. The results of this study corroborate that a high adaptive leadership and an organization implementing HPWPs set the stage for creating an individual's affective commitment to change via their readiness to change. Originality/value The current study integrates the change management, leadership and HRM literature by suggesting a unique mechanism and boundary conditions that advance research and practice in an individual's willingness and acceptance to change. Based on the study's findings, the authors suggest theoretical and practical implications for research and practice.