Utilizing fuzzy-set comparative analysis in configurational studies of high-performance work practices

This study explores how high-performance work practices (HPWPs) combine to achieve employee retention through a configurational perspective. The primary objective is to investigate the relationship between HPWPs and employee retention, emphasising how specific configurations of practices can enhance retention outcomes. Secondary to the study’s primary focus is the methodological contribution of using fuzzy-set comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyse the configurational dynamics of HPWPs in retaining employees. We performed the analysis on a dataset of 232 Austrian and Hungarian manufacturing firms. Our findings revealed the existence of three equifinal configurations of different high-performing skills, motivation, and opportunity-enhancing practices that help to retain employees effectively. Using the configurational approach and fsQCA, these configurations give us more advanced theoretical insights into how HPWPs work together to help keep employees. To enhance employee retention, we interpreted the resultant configurations in terms of how each configuration fits different companies’ human resource strategies and policies.