Role of HR Practices in Fostering Employee Creativity: Mediating Role of Organizational Culture

Purpose – This paper explores the role of human resource (HR) practices in fostering employee creativity, specifically focusing on leadership, motivation, training, and rewards. Although existing literature addresses similar topics globally, a research gap is evident in the context of Nepal, where cultural, social, and economic factors may influence how HR practices interact with organizational culture to foster creativity. Aims(s) – The primary aim of this paper is to assess the role of HR practices in encouraging employee creativity. Additionally, the paper aims to analyse whether organizational culture mediates the relationship between HR practices and employee creativity. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a quantitative research approach, collecting data from 131 employees across various organizations in Nepal through a structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SMART PLS software to examine relationships between the variables. Findings – It was found that in order to encourage employees' creativity at work, the right kind of leadership, encouragement, and rewards should be given to them. However, training does not seem to have a significant relation in fostering employee creativity. Similarly, creativity of employee is not mediated by organizational culture. By understanding the factors that helps to foster the employee’s creativity in work, it is possible to develop more innovative and new ideas to perform the work. Limitations of the study – The study focuses only on select HR practices and is limited by a small sample size of 131 respondents, primarily from Kathmandu Valley. Additionally, the gender imbalance (74.81% male) may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should include a more diverse and balanced sample to enhance the understanding of HR practices' impact on employee creativity. Originality/value – This study provides novel insights into the HR-creativity relationship within the unique cultural and economic context of Nepal, offering value to HR practitioners and scholars interested in enhancing employee creativity in developing countries.