Course Overview
How to Use This Textbook
1. Chapter 1. The Role of Research in HRM
2. Chapter 2. From Workplace Problem to Research Question
3. Chapter 3. Literature Review and Theory Building
4. Chapter 4. Quantitative HR Research Designs
5. Chapter 5. Qualitative HR Research Designs
6. Chapter 6. Mixed Methods and Case Study Research
7. Chapter 7. Sampling, Measurement, Reliability, and Validity
8. Chapter 8. Surveys, Interviews, Focus Groups, and Observation
9. Chapter 9. HR Analytics, Administrative Data, and Dashboards
10. Chapter 10. Research Ethics, Consent, Privacy, and Power
11. Chapter 11. Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Limitations
12. Chapter 12. Writing and Presenting Applied HR Research
13. Chapter 13. Research Translation and Evidence-Based HR Recommendations
14. Chapter 14. Building a Research Culture in HR Departments
Capstone Application Project
Glossary of Key Terms
Course Overview
This graduate-level textbook introduces Research Methods in Human Resource Management as an applied field of human resource management. The course is designed for learners who must connect theory, organizational evidence, ethical reasoning, legal awareness, and people-centred decision making. Each chapter moves from conceptual foundations to managerial application so that students can interpret workplace problems with professional judgement rather than memorizing isolated definitions.
The textbook emphasizes strategic thinking, evidence-informed practice, inclusive workplaces, and the responsibilities of HR leaders in complex organizations. Students are expected to read critically, compare alternative approaches, and apply concepts to realistic workplace scenarios involving employees, managers, unions, regulators, and senior leadership.
Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to consider how HR decisions affect organizational performance, employee dignity, legal risk, culture, trust, and long-term capability. The goal is not only to understand HR concepts but to practise the type of disciplined thinking required of graduate-level HR professionals.
Major Course Themes
• Problem definition and research questions
• Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method designs
• Ethics and privacy in workplace research
• Sampling, measurement, reliability, and validity
• Translating findings into HR decisions
Learning Outcomes
15. Evaluate HR problems using graduate-level concepts, evidence, and professional reasoning.
16. Design practical HR responses that balance employee needs, organizational priorities, and ethical responsibilities.
17. Analyze cases using multiple stakeholder perspectives and clearly justify recommendations.
18. Use HR terminology accurately while explaining ideas in accessible professional language.
19. Connect course concepts to workplace policy, leadership practice, and measurable outcomes.
