Exploring e-hrm as an antecedent to absorptive capacity: further exploration and explanation of moderating and mediating effects.

Abstract

The present study investigates operational-, relational- and transformational- e- HRM practices as potential antecedents of Potential and Realized Absorptive Capacity. The potential moderating and mediating effects of psychological safety and Interdepartmental Connectedness are also investigated. Results are based on a quantitative study of 90 HR professionals from a wide variety of fields in Norway. Our findings suggests that e-HRM used for operational-, relational- and transformational purposes are all positively related to either both or one of the two dimensions of Realized Absorptive Capacity. Further, Interdepartmental Connectedness does, in some conditions, have a moderating effect on the relationship between transformational e-HRM and Realized Absorptive Capacity Transformational. Psychological safety is also found to show significant mediating effects on two relationships, including: the relationship between relational e-HRM and Realized Absorptive Capacity, and the relationship between transformational e-HRM and Realized Absorptive Capacity. Practical implications and limitations of the study are discussed. Key words: e-HRM, Absorptive Capacity, psychological safety, Interdepartmental Connectedness, knowledge sharing, innovation