High-performance work systems and firm performance: the mediation effect of the quality of employee turnover

This study aims to investigate: (a) the differences in how human resource (HR) practice bundles, which enhance skills, motivation, and opportunities, account for the turnover of high performers versus non-high performers; (b) whether the turnover of high performers has a stronger impact on firm performance compared to that of non-high performers; and (c) whether the turnover of high performers, rather than that of non-high performers, mediates the relationship between HR practices and firm performance. Research hypotheses were tested using data collected from 153 South Korean companies. The results indicated that (a) HR practice bundles enhancing motivation were most effective in retaining high performers, compared to those enhancing skills or opportunities; (b) the turnover of high performers had a substantially stronger impact on firm financial performance compared to that of non-high performers; and (c) the turnover of high performers mediated the impact of motivation-enhancing HR practices on firm financial performance.