Advanced Methods for Human Resource Management Research: Design, Implement and Evaluate a Research Project

Understanding and applying research methods is a key skill in human resource management. This new textbook shows how to successfully complete a research project across the HR function.

Advanced Methods for Human Resource Management Research provides a practice-based approach to planning and implementing research projects. Each chapter focuses on one HRM practice and a ’Method in Focus’ feature that shows how a particular method could be used for researching that practice. This enables postgraduate Research Methods students to gain an understanding of how research may be most effectively conducted for different aspects of HR, from recruitment, selection and people analytics to learning and development, sustainable HRM and employee wellbeing.

This book offers comprehensive guidance on what kinds of questions can be asked and the application of current designs and methods. Readers will learn how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research, such as interviews and literature reviews, using Big Data, social media and visuals, as well as creating cross-country designs to engage international participants. It is supported by learning outcomes, real-world examples, discussion questions and ’ethical dilemma’ exercises to develop critical understanding of the material. Online resources include lecturer slides, annotated web links, further reading and new reflective questions for students.

This textbook is written for postgraduate HR students taking Research Methods modules as part of their degree.

Dr Paul Joseph-Richard is a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management (HRM) at Ulster University Business School, UK. He teaches HRM and Research Methods modules in a range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes. He is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD) and his research has been published in several journals such as Studies in Higher Education and Human Resource Development International.