HR Competencies, Strategic Roles, and HRM Effectiveness : Examining the Role of Generation Y in India’s Construction Industry

Authors

  •   Subbulakshmi Somu Associate Professor (Corresponding Author), Department of Management Studies, Dayananda Sagar College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Shavige Malleshwara Hills, 1st Stage, Kumaraswamy Layout, Bengaluru - 560 111, Karnataka
  •   Noor Azman Ali Professor and Quality Manager, Putra Business School, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Level 3, Office Building of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) 43400, UPM, 43400 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
  •   Md Asadul Islam Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, BSc (Hons) International Business, Sunway Business School, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor
  •   Motoki Watabe Professor and Head, Department of Management, Sunway Business School, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i5/174408

Keywords:

human resource competencies

, strategic HR roles, HRM effectiveness, Generation Y, PLS - SEM.

JEL Classification Codes

, J24, M10, M12, M50

Paper Submission Date

, September 5, 2024, Paper sent back for Revision, March 6, 2025, Paper Acceptance Date, April 19, Paper Published Online, May 15, 2025

Abstract

Purpose : This study explored the influence of human resource competencies on human resource management (HRM) effectiveness, focusing on Generation Y human resource professionals in India’s construction industry. The purpose was to examine the relationships between HR competencies, strategic HR roles, and HRM effectiveness, focusing on the mediating role of strategic HR roles and the moderating effect of generational differences.

Methodology : In this study, HR competencies were considered as the independent variable, strategic HR roles as the mediating variable, HRM effectiveness as the dependent variable, and Generation Y as the moderating variable. A quantitative approach was used, collecting data from 386 HR professionals using a structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using SMART PLS.

Findings : The findings revealed that HR competencies in business knowledge, HR delivery, and change management positively influenced the performance of strategic HR roles. These roles, in turn, contributed to HRM effectiveness. However, the study found no significant moderating effect of Generation Y on the relationship between HR competencies and strategic roles. Strategic HR roles mediated the relationship between competencies and HRM effectiveness, highlighting that competencies alone were insufficient without their application in strategic roles.

Practical Implications : Organizations should prioritize the universal development of HR competencies by ensuring that training and development programs are accessible and beneficial to HR professionals of all age groups. This approach promoted continuous learning and development, enabling HR professionals to engage in strategic roles. However, this study was not free from limitations and allows scope for future researchers, as discussed in this paper.

Originality : The study’s originality lay in its application of role theory and its focus on the Indian construction industry, providing insights into the strategic role of HR professionals in a non-Western context.

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Published

2025-05-15

How to Cite

Somu, S., Ali, N. A., Islam, M. A., & Watabe, M. (2025). HR Competencies, Strategic Roles, and HRM Effectiveness : Examining the Role of Generation Y in India’s Construction Industry. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 18(5), 8–26. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i5/174408

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