Performance appraisal quality and employee performance: the boundary conditions of human resource strength and religiosity

This study aims to provide new insights on the boundary condition effects of human resource (HR) strength, based on the covariation principle of the attribution theory and job demand resource model. HR strength is defined as the features of an HR system that send signals to employees, allowing them to understand the desired responses and behaviors in the relationship between performance appraisal quality (PAQ) (clarity, regularity and openness) and employees' proficient, adaptive and proactive performance. Additionally, employees' religiosity is examined as a boundary condition of the effect of perceived HR strength. The findings of a two-wave, multi-actor study (N = 391 employees and 61 managers) highlight that the relationship between PAQ and employee performance is strongest when it is embedded within a strong HR system (perceived HR strength) and low religiosity, or within low perceived HR strength and high religiosity conditions.