High-performance organization: a literature review

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to review and synthesize notable literature on high-performance organization (HPO), from which future research directions can be recommended.Design/methodology/approachThis narrative literature review analyzes major HPO literature in popular books and peer-reviewed articles published in English in the period between 1982 and 2019.FindingsThe review revealed that HPO literature has evolved multiple times, illustrating the complex and multifaceted nature of this phenomenon. In particular, literature on HPO has evolved in four phases: (1) definitions and conceptual development of HPO; (2) exploration of approaches to achieve HPO; (3) empirical validation of HPO framework; and (4) complicated research models and designs on HPO. Several research gaps were identified, which definitely hold varying research value and can be seen as potential opportunities for future research.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of this review is on HPO literature published in English rather than cover all existing literature.Originality/valueIt is among the first studies to review the HPO literature and its evolution. This review also recommends constructive areas for future research on HPO to focus on.