A Cross-Country Analysis Of The Impact Of Shop-Floor Involvement On The Integrated Relationships Between Innovative Managerial Practices/Technologies And Operational Non-Financial Performance Indicators

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Journal Of Accounting And Organizational Change

Publication Date

10-17-2025

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is twofold, to investigate cross-country differences in the relationships among innovative managerial practices (IMPs), advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs), shop-floor involvement (SFI) and operational non-financial performance indicators (ONFPIs) and to examine whether the relationships between the use of IMPs/AMTs and ONFPIs can be ascribed to SFI in manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approachThis study puts forward a literature-based model depicting the relationships between IMPs, AMTs and ONFPIs and the mediating effects of SFI. This study adopts a multi-group analysis using structural equation modelling of data collected from three large-scale surveys of manufacturing firms in the UK, Japan and Egypt.FindingsThe findings show that there are partial invariances in the measurement model with some parameter estimates equal across the UK, Japan and Egypt, while other parameter estimates vary across countries, especially in the direct relationships: ONFPIs-IMPs (UK and Egypt, UK and Japan); ONFPIs-AMTs (Egypt and UK); and ONFPIs-SFI (Egypt and Japan, Egypt and UK). Moreover, the extent of SFI fully/partially mediates the relationships between the use of IMPs/AMTs and ONFPIs across the three countries and for the overall data.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has several limitations, which may provide opportunities for future research. First, the sample was limited to the manufacturing sector; caution is therefore warranted when extrapolating these findings to other industries. Future research could replicate the study in service-oriented organizations. Second, although this study's data provide valuable insights, the research design would benefit from stronger triangulation, for example, by incorporating perspectives from additional stakeholder groups (Hall, 2008). Third, the analysis was framed exclusively through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT). Applying alternative frameworks, such as psychological contract theory, could yield complementary explanations and deepen theoretical understanding. Finally, the results highlight the importance of national context; subsequent studies might unpack the influence of specific contextual factors (e.g. regulatory environment, societal norms or labour-market institutions) on the relationships examined in this paper.Practical implicationsThe findings also have practical implications. First, the notable differences in performance measures observed across the three countries suggest that national values and expectations shape how individuals in each context prioritize and use these metrics. By raising the awareness of employees and managers about these variations across countries, organizations can enhance the deployment and effectiveness of performance metrics, leading to better alignment with local performance management practices and improved overall outcomes. Second, this study points out the need to consider employee involvement as a pillar of the HR strategy for implementing technological and managerial innovations. Fostering employees' growth and development is a key driving mechanism for conveying the benefits of adopting IMPs/AMTs and promoting the adoption of ONFPIs. Third, rather than incentivizing the provision of ONFPIs by SF employees who have been concerned with deploying IMPs/AMTs, our SDT perspective suggests that organizations should put greater emphasis on social rewards such as empowerment and active involvement to motivate employees. Originality/valueThis study contributes towards understanding of practice variations of IMPs, AMTs, SFI and ONFPIs across countries, and the mediating role of SFI which is a key driving mechanism for conveying the benefits of adopting IMPs/AMTs and ONFPIs. It highlights significant cross-national variations in both the adoption and perceived importance of these practices.

ISSN

1832-5912

Publisher

Emerald

Disciplines

Business

Keywords

Advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs), UK, Japan, Egypt, Innovative managerial practices (IMPs), Shop-floor involvement (SFI), Operational non-financial performance indicators (ONFPIs), Structural equation modelling (SEM)

Indexed in Scopus

no

Open Access

no

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