Putting implementation into context: Exploring the influence of physical, social, and task contexts on the implementation of health promotion programs

The aim of this paper is to empirically examine the influence of organizational context on the implementation effectiveness of human resource management (HRM) practices with the aim of maintaining the health and well-being of employees, known as health promotion programs (HPPs). HPPs are a strategic function in HRM and play a crucial role in creating and maintaining human capital. Effective implementation is typically viewed as a critical prerequisite for the success of HPPs. By exploring the influence of organizational context on the implementation of HPPs, this paper offers a fresh approach to understanding HRM implementation in a relatively neglected area of research. To uncover contextual influences a multiple-case study in four German organizations operating in the chemical industry was conducted. Data was collected using a multi-method design consisting of an analysis of documents and 28 semi-structured interviews. The study is among the first to apply the categorical model of context by Johns to the investigation of the implementation of health promotion programs. The results contribute to a more nuanced view of HRM implementation by highlighting the interrelationships between contextual factors stemming from the physical, social, and task context and implementation fidelity. By providing initial empirical evidence of the mechanisms underlying this relationship, this study sheds light on the complexity and breadth of contextual influences during the implementation of HPPs and offers several theoretical and practical implications.