Instead of only focusing on the advisory role of the HR department, one could go one
step further and examine whether strong HRM systems can contribute to sharpening the 25
ability, motivation and opportunity of line managers to perform their HRM role well. Bowen
and Ostroff (2004) argue that a strong HRM system is high in distinctiveness, consistency and
consensus. Consequently, unequivocal messages are sent to the employees, but also to the line
managers, about the behaviour that is valued and rewarded in the organization. These clear
messages will make line managers more confident about what is important in HRM and
which HR interventions are expected from them, thereby increasing their feeling of mastery
and ability. Also, by making it more easy to recognize the importance and relevance of HRM,
line managers may become more motivated to perform their HR tasks. Furthermore, an HRM
system scoring high on consensus will give line managers the feeling that they are fully
supported in their HR work, which will increase the feeling that they have the resources and
opportunity to perform their HR work. From this point of view, we hypothesize that if line
managers perceive the HRM system to be strong, they will be more likely to take care of their
HRM role.