Final answer:
A High-performance work system refers to a comprehensive integration of HR management policies that collectively enhance employee performance and improve organizational productivity, standing out from traditional HR systems, performance appraisals, or employee assistance programs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to a set of HR management policies and practices that together produce superior employee performance is c) High-performance work system. Unlike traditional HR systems which may encompass a more standardized approach to managing employees, or performance appraisal systems that assess individual employee performance, a high-performance work system integrates various HR strategies and practices to ensure collective efficiency and effectiveness. This system is designed to improve not just individual performance but also to enhance the overall productivity and competitiveness of the organization. The focus of a high-performance work system is to create an environment where employees can perform at their best, with policies that encourage engagement, skill development, and alignment of individual goals with the organization's strategic objectives.
A high-performance work system acknowledges the importance of a supportive organizational culture, appropriate training for performance appraisal implementation, and considerations for biases in hiring and job satisfaction to improve teamwork and employee morale. These systems are more comprehensive and holistic in nature compared to the more modular employee assistance programs, which primarily focus on employee well-being on an individual level. In essence, a high-performance work system is a synthesis of various organizational practices aimed at yielding superior workforce performance.