HR measurement as an instrument of the HR department in its exchange relationship with top management: A qualitative study based on resource dependence theory

•A new perspective on empirical research concerning HR measurement is given.•We deliver perspectives on and innovative insights concerning the power of the HR department.•An extension of resource dependence theory by power bases and legitimacy will be made.•A qualitative study to analyze exchange relationship between top management and HRM was conducted.•Findings emphasize the importance of perception of actors and their resource control.•We find out that HR measurement has operative as well as legitimating benefit.•Results of this study supply important starting points for a more comprehensive empirical study.

SummaryDue to the significance of human resources in companies, HR measurement is becoming increasingly prominent. The information that HR measurement provides is an important factor for top management in its management of the company. As HR measurement is usually assigned to the HR department, it also represents a potential source of power for the HR department in its relationship with top management. Drawing on resource dependence theory, this paper considers the exchange relationship between the HR department and top management through an empirical interview study. The results show that HR measurement contributes to the professionalization of the HR department and to an increase in its perceived legitimacy in the company. The paper thus contributes to research on HR measurement and to the discussion on intra-organizational exchange relationships.