Validating the human resource system structure: A levels-based strategic HRM approach

Despite considerable empirical evidence that human resource systems are related to firm performance, significant conceptual and methodological issues remain. We argue that progress along these lines requires basic development of the validity of the HR system construct. To help accomplish this, we draw on previous strategic HRM literature and insights from organizational levels of analysis literature to explicate a levels-based HR systems approach for validating the HR systems structure. We propose that conceptual and levels-based distinctions between HR system structure components can shed light on current methodological debates in the field, and offer an expanded strategic HRM research agenda.