Effect of HRM Factors on Employee Success: Examining Mediating Role of Work Autonomy

Abstract

The success of an organisation closely linked to the success of its employees. Hence, organisations must focus on factors that can enhance employees' probability of success. This study designed to examine the impact of various HR factors, namely employee empowerment, leadership positive feedback, and social support, on employee success and proactive work behaviour. Additionally, the study explored the mediating effect of work autonomy. Data collected from employees working in the SME sector in Saudi Arabia, with snowball sampling employed to reach the respondents. The usable response rate for the study was 70.23%. Smart PLS 4 was utilised to assess the gathered responses. The statistical findings indicate that work autonomy is a significant predictor of proactive work behaviour and employee success. Furthermore, leadership positive feedback, employee empowerment, and social support found to have significant effects on work autonomy. The mediating effect of work autonomy also statistically supported. This research makes a theoretical contribution by analysing the mediating role of work autonomy and exploring the antecedents of two dependent variables, namely employee success and work autonomy, within a single framework. The findings provide SME-based firm strategists with valuable insights to improve employee behaviour and success rates.