Common Good HRM Research sub-cluster

About us

Common Good Human Resource Management (CGHRM) is a research cluster for innovation in people management which focuses on exploring a common-good approach to HRM.

The common-good approach assumes a society comprising individuals whose own good is linked to the good of the community and considers the long-term consequences of actions and policies on both current and future generations. 

These CGHRM practices prioritise well-being of employee and sustainable practices that preserve natural resources, protect the environment, and ensure the well-being of society.

The OU’s CGHRM cluster was established in November 2023 by Dr Olga Andrianova, in collaboration with other universities such as WU Vienna Business School of Economics, Dr Brian Mathews and Prof. Michael Graben-Mueller. 

The Centre collaborates with other institutions to create a common understanding of how HR can consider environmental issues - not only from an economic perspective but from the perspective of nature as a common good.

Areas of expertise

  • Sustainable HRM practices
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Ethical and environmental leadership
  • Organisational development
  • Community partnership building
  • Research and policy advocacy
  • Employee wellbeing and engagement
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Change management

These areas of expertise equip practitioners in CG HRM to effectively navigate the complex challenges of promoting sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible HRM practices that contribute to the wellbeing of both individuals and communities.

Our projects 

Upcoming events 

As HR Professionals' Day (26 September) approaches, it is a timely opportunity to recognise and celebrate the vital contribution that HR professionals make to organisations, employees, and wider society. From supporting employee wellbeing and inclusion to helping organisations navigate change and sustainability challenges, HR plays a crucial role in creating workplaces where both people and organisations can thrive.

To mark the occasion, the Common Good Human Resource Management (HRM) Research Group of the Open University is hosting a special event:

Easy Talk for the Common Good: Celebrating HR Professionals’ Day

Friday, 25 September

11:30 – 12:30 (UK time), online

Agenda

  • Celebrating HR Professionals' Day and the contribution of HR to people and planet
  • HR's role in promoting fairness, inclusion, wellbeing and sustainability
  • Guest talk by Victoria Nightingale: Employee Environmental Voice and Workplace Sustainability
  • Discussion and Q&A

Victoria will share insights from her PhD research, which explores how employees engage with environmental challenges in the workplace, what enables or constrains them from speaking up about sustainability issues, and how organisations can foster meaningful employee participation in environmental action.

Everyone is welcome, and we hope you can join us for this conversation on the future of HR and its contribution to the common good.

To register, please click here: Easy Talk for the Common Good: Celebrating HR Professionals’ Day

Previous events

Common-Good HRM International Conference 2026

‘Working Together for Tomorrow: Encouraging and Managing Collective Action for the Common Good’ organised by the International Common Good Management Network. 

Easy Talks for Common Good Event  Hybrid Work Challenges and Opportunities with Common Good HRM’

As hybrid work continues to transform the modern workplace, understanding its implications for equity, productivity, and organisational culture is more important than ever. This event features expert speakers Dr Olga Andianova and interactive sessions designed to foster meaningful dialogue about creating inclusive and effective hybrid work environments. The recording is coming soon! 

Easy Talks for Common Good Event ‘Common Good from the Perspective of HR Practitioners’

This event provided valuable insights from Dr. Jason Palframan and Dr. Susanne Rank, facilitated by Dr. Olga Andrianova. This session explored the intersection of Common Good HRM, workplace spirituality, and values-based practices. Watch the recording.

Easy Talks for Common Good ‘Does HRM for Common Good exist?’

This event, marking Human Resource Professional Day, is organised by the International Common Good HRM Network in collaboration with the CGHRM Research Cluster of The Open University Business School. The event recording is coming soon.

Meet the team

Meet our partners

  • Dr Brian Matthews, Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien WU, Institute of Human Resource Management, Vienna
  • Dr Natalia Podgorodnichenko, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Prof Fiona Edgar, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Prof Susanne Rank, Mainz University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Our PhD students

  • Victoria Nightingale

Contact us

Either send your email to the Director of the OU’s Common Good HRM, Dr Olga Andrianova  or to [email protected]

Join our LinkedIn group for further updates within our community of practitioners: International Common Good HRM Network