The Effects of Complexity of Human Resource Management Systems on Stress in Human Resource Professional : Examining the Moderating Role of Top Management Leadership

The purpose of this study is to examine the degree which the complexity of human resource management (HRM) systems would associate with stress in human resource (HR) professional, and whether top management leadership (performance-oriented and maintenance-oriented leadership behavior) would moderate these relations. A survey questionnaire was administered to a total of 156 HR professionals working in Japanese firms. The following two findings were revealed through the results of the quantitative survey study: First, the complexity of HRM systems had a positive influence on stress in HR professional. Second, the relationship between the complexity of HRM systems and stress in HR professional was moderated by top management maintenance-oriented leadership behavior. These results suggest that top management maintenance-oriented leadership behavior is effective in relieving HR professional’s stress confronting the complexity of HRM systems.