Skill-enhancing human resource practices and firm performance: the mediating role of innovativeness

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the interplay of skill-enhancing human resources (HR) practices, innovativeness and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach: Data from 211 valid cases were gathered through an online survey and face-to-face interviews with Albanian tourism firms. Structural equation modeling was implemented to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings: The results suggest that HR training has a positive influence on innovativeness, which in turn affects positively firm performance. Thus, there is a mediation effect of innovativeness in the link between training and performance. Research limitations/implications: The findings are in line with the strategic perspective on HR management, which suggests that HR practices are likely to indirectly affect firm performance. However, results should be interpreted with caution due to the cross-sectional nature of the data. Practical implications: HR training practices may help tourism firms to increase their innovation orientation and ultimately improve their performance outcomes. Originality/value: Investigating the mediation role of innovativeness on the relationship between skill-enhancing HR practices and firm performance within the tourism context is the core contribution.