philosophy) that direct the management of human capital, some mid-range elements (HR policies and programs) that provide
alternate means for aligning HR activities, and some HR practices and processes that capture the specific activities implemented
within a firm (Arthur & Boyles, 2007; Becker & Gerhart, 1996; Lepak et al., 2004; Takeuchi et al., 2009). HR systems signal to
employees what is expected of them, how they should interact with each other and with various stakeholders, what should be
emphasized, and what will be rewarded (Bowen & Ostroff, 2004; Haggerty & Wright, 2010). When the configuration of HR
principles, policies, programs, and practices is internally consistent, distinctive, well-aligned, and widely accepted, it creates a
strong HR system climate in which the intended messages are understood and correctly interpreted by employees and are used to
guide individual and collective behaviors (Haggerty & Wright, 2010). We propose that specific principles can provide a foundation
for developing HR systems and an inter-organizational climate that enables and fosters SCO.