HRM practices, organizational learning and organizational performance: evidence from the big four financial services in France

Purpose This paper aims to examine the mediation effect of organizational learning on the link between human resource management (HRM) practices and organizational performance in some Big4 financial services companies. Design/methodology/approach The quantitative methodology was chosen for this research, using resource theory and knowledge-based approach to explain the relationship between latent variables. A sample of 403 HR employees and managers of the companies under study in France was selected in 2022. Structural equations modeling was used based on the Spss-Amos program to test the research hypotheses. Findings The results revealed that organizational learning played a mediating role between HRM practices (hiring, training, motivation and decision-making) and organizational performance and that learning enabled the performance of workers to improve and achieve competitive advantages in this field. Research limitations/implications The sample was based on four international companies working in the field of financial services and consulting and providing their services within France, which may affect the generalisability of the results and limit them to the studied sector. Practical implications The contribution of the study is to improve the awareness of administrators, decision makers and company employees of the importance of organizational learning for companies, and to stimulate motivation to learn and exchange knowledge in a constructive way that enhances organizational performance. Working on organizational culture change through HRM-practices-based learning as an effective mechanism for organizational performance improvement is one implication. These practises influence cadres' attitudes toward their work, which improves their performance. Social implications Working on organizational culture change through HRM-practices-based learning as an effective mechanism for organizational performance improvement is one implication. These practises influence cadres' attitudes toward their work, which improves their performance. Originality/value This study seeks to provide cadres and executives with an in-depth analysis of HRM and organizational learning, which, through its integration of these attributes, can contribute to the earning of knowledge-based competitive advantage and achieve superior and sustainable performance.