Career Impact of High-Performance Work System: A Kaleidoscope Perspective

High-performance work system (HPWS) is considered a solid predictor of individual outcomes, but there is less evidence about the impact HPWS on subjective career success (SCS). The current study examines the direct impact of HPWS on SCS through the lens of the Kaleidoscope Career Model. In addition, employability orientation is expected to mediate the relationship while employees’ HPWS attribution is hypothesized to moderate the HPWS-SCS linkage. A quantitative research design with two-wave survey collected data from 365 employees working in 27 firms in Vietnam. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to test the hypotheses. Results indicate that HPWS is significantly associated with SCS through the achievements of career parameters. In addition, employability orientation mediates the above relationship while HPWS external attribution moderates the relationship between HPWS and SCS. This research suggests that HPWS may influence employees’ outcomes beyond the current employment, such as career success. HPWS fosters employability orientation which may encourage the employees to seek career advancements outside the current employer. Therefore, HPWS-implementing organizations should provide career opportunities to the employees. In addition, attention should be paid to employees’ evaluative reports of HPWS implementation.