IPM on conducting HR research

Tuesday, 27 May 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Research related to human resources (HR), and its ‘how, when and why’ was the topic in discussion at the recently held panel discussion titled ‘Conducting HR Research.’ Organised by the Institute of Personnel Management (IPM), this enlightening event was held on 7 May at the HR House, Colombo.

The main focus of the panel discussion, and the topic in discussion, was to enhance the quality of research of the institute’s students and to contribute towards progress of the profession through research. IPM being the pioneer in establishing a modern HR culture in the country has made bold strides towards the enhancement of the quality of HR practice, teaching and training in Sri Lanka. The main discourse on the topic, ‘Conducting HR Research,’ was provided by Prof. H.H.D.N.P. Opatha, Senior Professor, Department of Human Resource Management, and University of Sri Jayawardenapura. The panellists at the event were Dr. M.A. Shantha Wijesinghe, Senior Lecturer in Statistics and Research Methodology, University of Sri Jayawardenapura; Dr. Udaya Mohan, Senior Lecturer, University of Kelaniya; and the moderator at the panel discussion was Dr. Ajantha Dharmasiri, Senior Faculty Member, Post-graduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayawardenapura. Prof. Opatha provided the audience with insightful information on research, particularly related to HR, focusing on the ‘how, when and why’ of HR research. The different types of research, the need for research and how to conduct research, was elaborately explained by Prof. Opatha. The panellists drew attention to imperative aspects of HR research discussed by Prof. Opatha and further deliberated upon the different aspects of proper literature review in conducting research. The panel also exchanged views on the different sources for literature which are ideal for HR research.

The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A session where the practical aspects of research were discussed. The event mainly targeted students of human resource management (HRM) and the HR paternity, and turned up trumps with over 80 participants filling the small auditorium. The panel discussion was organised by the Committee for Uplifting HR Profession (CUHRP) of the IPM in collaboration with the Membership Development & Member Services Committee of the IPM. The main objective of the CUHRP is to support IPM in its development of the quality of the institute’s academia, in which HR related academic research plays a vital role. The panel discussion is part of a series of workshops and seminars conducted by the CUHRP, which are provided free of charge for the IPM students, members and the public.