Knowledge-based HR practices, π-shaped skills and innovative performance in the contemporary organizations

PurposeAs technology accelerates, the pace of innovation and product and process life cycles have significantly decreased. Firms seek to leverage their employees' efforts, particularly through knowledge-based HR practices and intellectual skills, to attain innovative performances. Despite extensive research, the scope and role of p-shaped skills have yet to be considered; this is an important oversight. Through the lens of a knowledge-based perspective, this study examines the association of knowledge-based HR practices, p-shaped skills and innovative performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper tested the hypotheses using data obtained from large and SMEs in Riyadh, Saudi. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was applied to analyze the data.FindingsThe results of the PLS-SEM algorithm suggest that knowledge-based HR practices result in increased p-shaped skills, and p-shaped skills result in increased innovative performance. Accordingly, p-shaped skills mediate the association between knowledge-based HR practices and innovative performances.Originality/valueThis is among the first study to operationalize a p-shaped skills scale. The paper extends its functionality as a predictor for innovative performance and the outcome of knowledge-driven HR practices. This research offers valuable theoretical and practical implications.