High-performance work systems and burnout: the moderating role of mindset and the need for achievement

Purpose Drawing from the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this paper aims to examine the interaction among high-performance work systems (HPWS), growth mindset and need for achievement to explain burnout among employees. Design/methodology/approach The authors used SPSS PROCESS to test the research model on a sample of 341 employees from the manufacturing sector. The authors followed random sampling process to select organizations and employees within the organization. Findings The findings reveal a positive relationship between HPWS and job burnout. The study also confirms the interactive effect of HPWS, growth mindset and the need for achievement on burnout. Research limitations/implications The study explains the boundary conditions of HPWS and resolves the discrepancy associated with the negative effect of HPWS on employees. The results both confirm and expand the COR theory. Originality/value This is the first study to reveal the role of individual characteristics in understanding the positive relationship between HPWS and burnout. The study points out that the belief system and how need for achievement influence resource conservation strategies.