High performance human resource practices and organizational performance : The mediating role of occupational safety and health

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of occupational safety and health (OSH) on the relationship between high performance human resource practices (HPHRP) and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – The authors collected data from 227 human resource management professionals in Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China and used exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression for data analysis. Findings – The results supported the construct validity of the preliminary measure of HPHRP with the inclusion of a measure on OSH. The mediating role of perceived safety climate in the relationship of HPHRP and organizational performance was also confirmed. Research limitations/implications – This research highlights the importance of OSH on HPHRP in Hong Kong organizations. Results explored that HPHRP positively influences organizational performance through the mediator of perceived safety climate. Originality/value – This paper adds value by improving the understanding of the importance of OSH in human resource management in China. It reveals an important path, HRM managers' perceived safety climate, through which HPHRP is transmitted to organizational performance.