Towards the improvement of the sustainability in sustainable HRM: The role of system strength

Abstract

With the growing interest in sustainability, its incorporation in business management, and its inevitable intersection with the management of human resources, some scholars and practitioners have highlighted the potential benefits of successful implementation of sustainable human resource management as a source of competitive advantage. While this may denote a corporation’s capacity to respond to a wider range of needs and requirements beyond economic targets, researchers draw on different theories to point out the possible adverse consequences of adopting such multiple bottom-line approaches for employees. This study builds on ideas from previous research, particularly the works of Bush (2018), Bowen and Ostroff (2004) to 1) examine if the perceived degree of emphasis on a triple-bottom-line (TBL) approach is related to role ambiguity and role conflict; 2) investigate if the elements of human resource management system strength are related to role conflict and role ambiguity and, if these elements can moderate the relationship between the perceived degree of emphasis on TBL approach, role ambiguity, and role conflict. While the findings support the link between taking a TBL approach and role ambiguity and role conflict, it offers evidence that a strong human resource management system may reduce the role ambiguity and role conflict resulting from taking such approaches. Managerial implications and future research directions conclude this research