Building Micro-Foundations for Positive Workplace Relationships: Validation of a Strategic Relational Human Resource Management Measure

Abstract

A growing number of studies have recognized the pivotal role of relational Human Resource Management (HRM) systems in fostering positive interpersonal relationships in the workplace. These systems are tailored to fulfill specific relational objectives through collective-level mechanisms. However, there has been a notable neglect of strategies for establishing the general foundations of positive workplace relationships and the contributions of individual actors in relationship-building activities. Drawing upon the multilevel micro-foundational structure framework and strategic human capital theory, this study introduces and validates a new measure of strategic relational HRM (SRHRM) systems. This measure incorporates a set of interrelated HRM practices aimed at reinforcing individual employees' relational knowledge, skills, and abilities, which serve as micro-foundations for the development and maintenance of workplace relationships. Our methodology encompasses a meticulous validation process for the SRHRM measure. This involves employing four diverse samples from North America and Asia to assess its content validity, internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, as well as criterion-related validity. Our findings provide substantial support for the application of the SRHRM measure in future empirical investigations.