The effect of socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) on frontline employees’ knowledge sharing

Abstract

Purpose

This study in the hospitality industry aims to explore the underlying mechanisms through which socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) affects frontline employees’ knowledge sharing, as well as the moderating effects of role conflict and role ambiguity.

Design/methodology/approach

Two data waves have been collected from one of the largest restaurant chains in China. Using Mplus 7.0, a structural equation modeling model is empirically tested to investigate the hypothesized moderated mediation model.

Findings

First, SRHRM appears to foster frontline employees’ perceived respect and organizational trust and further stimulates their knowledge sharing. Second, role conflict is found to weaken the relationship between SRHRM and organizational trust, while role ambiguity seems to weaken the strength of the linkage between SRHRM and perceived respect.

Practical implications

Managers should make SRHRM policies more visible and implement appropriate SRHRM practices to facilitate employees proactively to share knowledge at work. Furthermore, managers should realize the dark side effects of role conflict and role ambiguity, as they might hinder the positive impact of SRHRM on knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

This study uncovers the meditating roles of perceived respect and organizational trust through which SRHRM impacts on employees’ knowledge sharing. By incorporating the possible moderating roles of role conflict and role ambiguity, this scholarly work also increases the understanding of possible hindrances in this regard.

Citation

Jia, X., Liao, S., Van der Heijden, B.I.J.M. and Guo, Z. (2019), "The effect of socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) on frontline employees’ knowledge sharing", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 31 No. 9, pp. 3646-3663. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-09-2018-0769