High-performance work systems, psychological empowerment and creative process engagement: A componential theory of creativity perspective

Drawing on componential theory of creativity, this study investigates the impact of high-performance work systems (HPWS) on psychological empowerment (PE) and creative process engagement (CPE). It also examines the mediating role of PE between HPWS and CPE. Additionally, the study investigates the moderating role of leader–member exchange (LMX) between HPWS, PE and CPE. Data were collected from 233 construction industry employees. The partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and SPSS were used to test the measurement model and proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that HPWS has a positive impact on both CPE with PE, and PE has a positive influence on CPE. Moreover, PE mediates the relationship between HWPS and CPE. The indirect association between HPWS and CPE is conditioned at different levels of LMX. Until now, little attention has been paid to linking HPWS, PE and CPE; the study filled this important gap in the current literature. Importantly, this is the first study that confirms that LMX is a boundary condition between HPWS, PE and CPE relationships.