Although scholars have highlighted HR’s important role as change agent, we know little about the
extent to which HR influences the change context to foster positive employee responses and
support organizational changes. This study positions perceived HR system strength as an important
internal context factor which influences employees’ reactions toward change. Drawing on emotion
theory and social exchange theory, we analyze the mechanisms through which employees’
perceptions of HR system strength lead to positive employee responses to organizational change.
Data from 704 employees in a UK police force showed that employees’ perceptions of HR system
strength were positively related to their ability to cope with organizational change and that this
relationship was simultaneously mediated by state positive affect and perceived organizational
support. Moreover, our findings revealed that coping with organizational change was positively
related to employees’ change-supportive behavior. This study is important because it broadens the
remit of HR’s role as change agent and provides valuable insight into how HR positively influences
employee outcomes during organizational change.
Metadata
Item Type:
Article (Published)
Refereed:
Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:
change agent role; HR system strength; state positive affect; perceived organizational support; coping with organizational change; change-supportive behavior;police force