The mediating effect of meaningful work between human resource practices and innovative work behavior : a study of emerging market

Purpose: This study is aimed at examining the mediating effect of meaningful work (MFW) between human resource practices (HRP) i.e. staffing, training, participation, performance-based evaluation, and reward with innovative work behavior (IWB) of Indian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) employees. Design/methodology/approach: This is a cross-sectional study with data of 199 respondents collected from the Indian SME sector. The mediation path was analyzed using multiple hierarchical regression analysis and processes. Findings: Results of the study indicate that human resource practices, i.e. staffing, training and participatory decision making, are positively related to IWB; MFW mediates the relationships between these human resource practices and IWB. Interestingly, performance-based evaluation and reward are not found to be related positively to IWB in SMEs. Originality/value: The study adds value to SME literature on how SMEs may promote innovation amongst their employees. In addition, the findings of the present study add to human resource management (HRM) literature regarding practices in Indian SMEs.