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Human Resource Management 2016

HRM System Strength and HRM Target Achievement-Toward a Broader Understanding of HRM Processes

Sven Hauff1,2; Dorothea Alewell2,1; Nina Katrin Hansen3

1 Hamburg School of Business Administration · 2 Universität Hamburg · 3 University of Bath

open access

Abstract

For some time, HRM researchers have paid attention to the process dimensions of HRM systems, especially to the question of how HRM system strength impacts on HRM outcomes. However, contributions tend to be theoretical, and empirical analyses are still rare. This article contributes to the discussion on HRM system strength by empirically analyzing the links between HRM system strength and HRM target achievement. We differentiate between single components of strength and their partial effects on two HRM target groups: the targets focusing on employee attitudes and the targets focusing on availability and effectiveness of human resources. Findings from a German data set with more than 1,000 observations indicate that HRM system strength has a positive influence on average HRM target achievement. Expectations regarding the differentiated effects of single components of HRM system strength are only partially supported. Nevertheless, our analyses give reason to consider a broader conception of HRM system strength than what has been explored to date.

DOI
10.1002/hrm.21798
Sources
openalex

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