Shaping Work, Shaping Success: How HR Practices Drive Task Performance via Proactive Behaviors and Work Engagement

ABSTRACT Drawing on the ability–motivation–opportunity (AMO) model and proactivity literature, this study tested a sequential mediation model linking opportunity‐enhancing HR practices (OEHRPs) to employee task performance via proactive work behaviors and work engagement. To test our hypotheses, we gathered data from a representative sample of 362 Dutch employees across diverse occupational sectors in four waves. The results of regression path models revealed that when employees perceived a high level of OEHRPs, they were more motivated to craft their jobs and employ their inherent strengths. Furthermore, we found that OEHRPs were positively associated with task performance, first through job crafting and strengths use, and subsequently through work engagement. These findings advance the AMO model by demonstrating how OEHRPs operate through proactive pathways to boost employee effectiveness, offering practical guidance for organizations seeking to enhance performance through employee initiative and engagement.