Journal Press India®

MANTHAN: Journal of Commerce and Management
Vol 12 , Issue 2 , July - December 2025 | Pages: 135-155 | Research Paper

Do High-performance Work Systems Deteriorate Employees’ Health? An Inductive Content Analysis

 
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Author Details ( * ) denotes Corresponding author

1. * Himani Agrawal, Research Scholar, School of Management, Gautam buddha university, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (himani.agrawal01@gmail.com)
2. Lovy Sarikwal, Assistant Professor, School of Management, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (lsarikwal@gbu.ac.in)

Many studies have examined the impact of high-performance work systems on employees’ health and well-being over the past decade. However, there is a lack of consensus among researchers whether high-performance work systems (HPWSs) improve or deteriorate health. This study attempts to bridge the gap by using an Inductive Content Analysis method based on the responses collected from IT professionals. The study sample consists of forty software engineers who work in high-performance work systems in the National Capital Region, India. Using the survey method, data were collected during the period March - June 2024. The study used five open-text questions and four demographic questions in the Google form questionnaire to collect qualitative data. Employees’ opinions suggest that HPWS is a bundle of HR practices rather than a singularly responsible system. One of the most crucial variables influencing employee well-being is the leadership style. The present study is a pioneering effort to provide a comprehensive understanding of how HPWSs influence the health of employees and how to address any negative aspects of HR practices to ensure sustainable growth.

Keywords

High-performance work systems (HPWSs); Employees’ health; Well-being; Work overload; Leadership style

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