The literature pays little attention to non-linear models, especially regarding dimensions such as organizational culture. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to test the role of hierarchical distance in the relationship between HRM practices and social processes. With a sample of 102 Spanish firms and using partial least squares structural equation modeling assessed this relationship. Results suggested mediation of hierarchical distance between HRM practices and social processes. Such results recommend that HR managers should consider hierarchical distance more carefully especially when creating HRM practices to improve relationships among employees. Thus, the politics of commitment function better when organizations are more horizontal and when tasks are commonly delegated, managers question employees frequently prior to making decisions, discussions are encouraged, and social rela...

Purpose – Our study examines the influence that employee diversity has on human resource management (HRM) practices and organisational performance, considering the moderating role of organisational culture, in particular, cultural dimensions such as individualism–collectivism and hierarchical distance. Design/methodology/approach – Through an empirical investigation of 102 Spanish firms using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), we evaluated our hypotheses. Findings – Our results show a positive correlation between employee diversity and HRM practices where such practices encourage employee commitment rather than control. Thus, we identified a non-linear relationship between HRM practices and organisational performance.Originality/value – The study considers the role played by environmental and contextual factors, such as organisational culture. The co...

Team-based work (TBW) plays a crucial role in the success and quality of public services. In the context of the Spanish public sector, our study evaluates if a low level of hierarchical distance (HD) in public organizations condition the public employees’ commitment (EC) as well as TBW, assessed in terms of participation and consensus among team members. Simultaneously, we evaluated to what extent EC help to enhance TBW. Employing a sample of 213 government organizations from the south of Spain through a model of structural equations, we were able to answer the above questions. Our results revealed that team-based work functions more successfully within public organizations where there exists little verticality in their structures, norms, values and rules – in simplest terms, where there is minimal organizational HD. Such results also suggest that although regulations exist in the Sp...