# Going Underground: How Perceived High-Performance Work Systems Influence Bootlegging Behavior? A Multi-Level Moderated Mediation Approach

## TL;DR

This study explores how perceptions of high-performance work systems relate to employees' bootlegging behavior, influenced by risk-taking and creativity.

## Contribution

The study introduces a multi-level moderated mediation model linking HPWS to bootlegging through risk-taking and creative self-efficacy.

## Key findings

- Perceived HPWS positively correlates with bootlegging behavior.
- Willingness to take risks and creative self-efficacy mediate the HPWS-bootlegging relationship.
- HRM system strength moderates the effect of HPWS on risk-taking and creative self-efficacy.

## Abstract

This study applies the social information processing theory to investigate how perceived high-performance work systems (HPWS) influence bootlegging behavior. Additionally, it explores the potential mediating role of willingness to take risks and creative self-efficacy in the association between perceived HPWS and bootlegging behavior. In addition, this study examines how human resource management (HRM) system strength acts as a cross-level moderator in the connection between perceived HPWS and willingness to take risks and creative self-efficacy. Based on a sample of 399 respondents from 80 firms, the results indicate a positive connection between perceived HPWS and bootlegging behavior. Moreover, the results reveal that willingness to take risks and creative self-efficacy mediate the connection between perceived HPWS and bootlegging behavior. Findings also reveal that cross-level HRM system strength moderates the influence of perceived HPWS on willingness to take risks and creative self-efficacy. The study also highlights its theoretical contributions and practical implications and proposes avenues for future research.