Conference - Human Resource Management (HRM) for the Common Good

Lecturer in Management and REEF member Olga Andrianova is one of the organisers of a spring workshop on Common Good HR Management taking place next month. With the theme of ‘A Common Good Perspective on Sustainable HRM: Contributions to navigating ecological and social sustainability challenges’, the event is free to join online on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 March.

Common Good HRM, also known as Human Resource Management (HRM) for the Common Good, is an approach to managing human resources within organisations that prioritises ethical considerations, social responsibility, and the well-being of all stakeholders, beyond just the interests of the organization or its shareholders. This approach aims to align HR practices with broader societal goals and values, focusing on promoting the common good rather than solely pursuing profit or self-interest. For example, reducing unemployment by recruiting young students and the recruitment of the unemployed through social procurement schemes so the relationship to workplace and employee well-being can be used as a new way to manage societal challenges.

Another area of Common Good HRM relates to fair and transparent recruitment and selection processes that ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of background or characteristics. This may involve implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, combating discrimination, and promoting social justice in hiring practices. Last but not least, Common Good HRM prioritises the development and well-being of employees, recognising them as valuable assets and stakeholders in the organisation. This may involve providing opportunities for training and skill development, promoting work-life balance, and supporting employees' physical, mental, and emotional health.

The conference is being hosted jointly by three institutions – The Open University Business School represented by Olga, the Institute for Human Resource Management at WU Vienna in Austria; and the Louvain Research Institute in Management and Organizations (LouRIM) at UCLouvain in Belgium.

Academics and HR practitioners are welcome to join the conference. It will provide both an opportunity to contribute further to the debate, but also to reflect and discuss your own research and practice.

The organisers are looking forward to seeing you online at the conference.