Socially Responsible Human Resource Management (SR-HRM) as an enabler of sustainability, employee well-being, and productivity growth in the Northern Ireland economy

Summary

HRM currently faces significant challenges, stemming from three primary sources.

In the first instance, the post-Covid environment has seen a fundamental change in the nature of the workplace for many employees, primarily driven by growth in hybrid and flexible working patterns and preferences on the part of employees.

These changing practices and preferences have given rise to a number of issues, including, but not limited to: team-working challenges; leadership challenges; employee well-being and issues around social isolation and employee engagement; changing patterns of career and personal and professional development; and issues around the promotion and maintenance of a positive organisational culture.

At the same time, organisations are increasingly cognisant of, and under increasing pressure to ensure, sustainability.

Within the framework of sustainability management the issue of social sustainability remains an under-researched area.

However, the development of socially responsible HRM (SR-HRM) practices appears to offer much potential to address both social sustainability and the current challenges faced in the field of HRM.

Within the Northern Ireland context, the need to grow a globally competitive and sustainable economy presents a third significant challenge to the field of HRM.

Particularly pertinent here are two related needs – securing productivity growth and the promotion of workplace health and wellbeing.

The aims of this project are therefore:

1. to establish the potential for SR-HRM practices to be designed in such a way as to deliver social sustainability and promote workplace wellbeing, and the form which such practices should take;
2. to investigate and establish the potential which SR-HRM has for driving productivity improvements; and
3. to investigate the potential which SR-HRM has for addressing current challenges faced within the field of HR.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period