What is a high-performance work system?

1. What is a high-performance work system? • The right combination of people, technology, and organizational structure to make full use of resources and opportunities in achieving organizational goals • Contrasts with traditional management practices • In the past, decisions about technology, organizational structure, and human resources were treated as if they were unrelated LO1

2. Elements of a high-performance work system LO1

3. Outcomes of a high-performance work system LO1

4. Conditions that contribute to high performance Teamwork & empowerment Knowledge sharing Employee satisfaction Employee engagement LO1

5. Teamwork and empowerment • Employee empowerment • Giving employees responsibility and authority to make decisions regarding all aspects of product development or customer service • Design work so that it is performed by teams • Contributes to high performance when employee satisfaction & engagement improves • Gives the organization fuller use of employees’ ideas and expertise LO1

6. Knowledge sharing • Learning organization • Supports lifelong learning by enabling all employees to acquire and share knowledge • Key features of a learning organization: • Engages in continuous learning • Knowledge is shared • Critical, systemic thinking is widespread • Learning culture • Employees are valued LO1

7. Employee satisfaction • Employees experience their jobs as fulfilling or allows them to fulfill one’s important job values LO1

8. Employee engagement • The extent that employees are satisfied, committed to, and prepared to support what is important to the organization • Clear connection between high levels of engagement and total shareholder returns • Direct impact on retaining employees • High engagement organizations strive to foster employee’s passion for their work • Occupational intimacy LO1