HR System Strength (Bowen & Ostroff)
HR & WorkReliability: alpha 0.85–0.92 across nine facets3 sample items
About this scale
A multi-item measure of HR system strength across three meta-features (distinctiveness, consistency, consensus) and nine facets. Captures whether HR practices send a clear, consistent, agreed-upon message to employees.
Sample item(s)
“I clearly understand what HR practices my organization expects me to follow.”
“Different HR practices are aligned with each other in my organization.”
“Senior management speaks with one voice about HR in my organization.”
Reliability
Reported internal consistency: alpha 0.85–0.92 across nine facets. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.
Notes
Increasingly operationalized at the climate level; aggregate to unit level when modelling HRM-performance.
Source & citation
Bowen, D. E., & Ostroff, C. (2004): Understanding HRM-firm performance linkages: The role of the 'strength' of the HRM system. Academy of Management Review, Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 203–221.
Bowen & Ostroff (2004): HR system strength. AMR, 29(2), 203–221.
Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.
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