High Performance Work Systems and Job Performance: The Influence of Professional Mentoring a Case of University Libraries in Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study investigates the functioning approach of high performance work system (HPWS) through professional mentoring on librarians’ job performance. The paper explores Spangenberg’s integrated model of performance. The AMO theory formula P=f (A, M, O) was used to explain the commonality on the influence of professional development on job performance. The study adopted survey research method using Z-test and regression analysis to estimate relationship in the variables. The population of the study consists of 174 librarians from 10 university libraries of federal and state owned universities in South-East zones of Nigeria. The questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. A total of 174 questionnaires were distributed and 152 were returned giving a response rate of 87%.The Z-test and regression analysis were used to answer the research question at 0.05 level of significance. Finding shows construct of professional mentoring, that impacted on the high performance work system of librarians based on the calculated Z-test mean value of 2.96, includes: expanding knowledge of strategic aspect of your job (mean = 3.88); developing necessary knowledge, skill and ability to do your work (mean = 3.73); Improve team goals and strengthen work connection (mean = 3.71) and overall significant influence of professional mentoring on job performance (F-cal = 60.21;