Seeking Ph.D. Topic Ideas in HRM That Offer Real-World Industry Exposure

Hello,

I am interested in starting a Ph.D. My area of interest is HRM. I am interested in doing a Ph.D. on a topic that provides me with industry exposure as well. Please suggest some important HRM topics for a Ph.D. I am currently working as an HRM faculty at a B-School.

I am interested in doing my Ph.D. registration. I have an MBA in HR and currently work as a management faculty. Could you please suggest some topics in HR? How should I go about it?

Regards,
Nirmala

Please see https://www.citehr.com/158881-confus...rch-topic.html. I found this by clicking on the link in the box at the right under "Similar Topics".

As a Management Faculty, my advice is to follow the same procedure as you would when you did your MBA Project. If you know under whom you would like to work for your Ph.D., consult them; they may have funding to do research. Otherwise, choose a topic you feel passionate about to avoid running out of interest halfway through.

Have a nice day.

Regards,
Simhan
Learning and Teaching Fellow (Retd.)
The University of Bolton, UK.

"It is never too late to learn or improve oneself"

Topics of Interest for HRM Ph.D.

Some topics of your interest are:

1. An industry view on turning talent management into a competitive advantage.
2. Integrated and Integrative Talent Management in extending the value of a Strategic Framework.
3. Business Value of an Integrated Talent Management Framework.
4. Integrating HR & Talent Management Processes in companies.
5. Talent Management Strategies for Attracting and Retaining the Best and the Brightest employees in the Indian context.
6. Organizational Stress Management: Survival Strategies for Turbulent Times.
7. Critical Incident Stress Management in some companies.
8. Designing a Comprehensive Stress Management Module among Top-Level Managers.
9. A study of Line Management behavior and stress at work.
10. Impact of Stress Management on Human Competencies in Indian companies.
11. E-HRM: Designing a model based on the technology acceptance model.
12. Evaluating the Strategic Potential of e-HRM in Indian companies.
13. E-HRM Effectiveness in a Public Sector Organization: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective.
14. The Use and Impact of e-Human Resource Information Systems on Human Resource Management Professionals.
15. E-HRM Consequences in Indian companies.
16. Effecting HRM-style Practices Through an Integrated Human Resource Information System.
17. An Exploratory Analysis of E-HRM in the Context of HRM Transformation.
18. Work-Life Balance: A Case of Social Responsibility or Competitive Advantage?
19. Work-Life Balance for Women Executives in Indian companies.
20. Study of Work-life balance as a source of job dissatisfaction and withdrawal attitudes in Indian companies.
21. A Critical Study of Work-life Balance of BPO Employees in India.
22. An analysis of Working time, gender, and work-life balance in Indian companies.

In fact, HR planning is vast. You may confine your topic to a particular point in HR planning. You can make a questionnaire based on the following points in particular organizations:

1. What is the review process of human resource planning in the organization? Ask them how it balances the competing and conflicting elements.

2. Ask what techniques are being used in the HR forecasting process.

3. What is the role of HR professionals in the human resource planning process in organizations?

4. Ask questions to measure the effectiveness and satisfaction level of training programs.

5. Ask them what the issues and problems of managerial selection are in their organization.

6. What steps are they taking in the Job Analysis Process?

7. How are they doing human resource accounting?

8. How do they compute human resource costs and their components?

9. Are they conducting HR audits?

10. What is the information system in Human Resource Management at the macro and micro level in the organization?

11. What methods do they use in performance appraisal?

12. What are the methods of competency mapping in their organization?

13. Do they make the required changes in role descriptions?

14. You may collect information for job analysis.

15. What methods do they use for human resource supply?

16. Are there reasons for an increase/decrease in employee groups?

Please let me know if you need further assistance or clarification.

Regards

I am new to this forum and I am planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Management/HR. I would like to select one of the topics given below (selected from your contributed list only):

1. The Use and Impact of e-Human Resource Information Systems on Human Resource Management Professionals.
2. e-HRM Consequences in Indian companies.
3. Effecting HRM-style Practices Through an Integrated Human Resource Information System.
4. Work-Life Balance for Women Executives in Indian companies.
5. A Critical Study on Work-life Balance of BPO Employees in India.
6. An analysis of Working time, gender, and work-life balance in Indian companies.

Could you suggest which would be ideal to proceed further given the current scenario? If possible, could you also share your contact details, please?

Thanks & Regards

Hello Mr./Ms. Tejal,

How about using Google Docs (Worksheet) for the same purpose? I believe this would be the best way for you and others, as it is easy to use. Try it once and allow others to participate easily instead of downloading and uploading after filling out the form for you. You can post a link to the same (Worksheet), and interested people will do their part.

Second, regarding the selection of your topic for study, I believe this should be based on your respective knowledge and experience in your professional life and the education you have achieved so far. All six topics mentioned above are really good, but topics 3 and 6, I believe, would be the best for your study. However, I want to say that the topic of your study must be related to past experience, knowledge, and interest, as you are also aware of the same. You are also holding a respective position and have more experience than I do, therefore, being a researcher, I can only share my thoughts with you about it, so please allow me.

Topic No. 1 & 2 can be covered by Topic No. 3, and I'm sure you will find a number of similarities with them during your study if you go with it.

Topic No. 3 - HRM Style Practices through IHRMS and e-HRM

Its effectiveness and impact on professionals can be covered in the study, which you can easily use as a part of it or by categories while working on it.

Topic No. 4 - Work-Life Balance for Women Executives

I believe you need to study not just about Indian women entrepreneurs or those related to Indian companies but also present a comparative analysis and role-playing by women at a global level.

Topic No. 6 - Women/Girls in BPO/KPO

Today, a maximum number of women/girls are employed in BPO/KPO, and work-life is undergoing many changes because of them. This also seeks a comparison and development by them at local and global levels. Also, we cannot ignore the participation of both genders being HR professionals and their role in various sectors/industries. Therefore, work-life balance with both genders must be included, but by focusing on "Women Employees/Professionals," you can serve the purpose beautifully if you go for Topic No. 6, which can cover both Topic No. 4 & 5 too.

Regards

I have applied for a Ph.D. and am waiting for my interview. The topic I have chosen for my Ph.D., based on my own interest area, is work-life balance. My primary concern is how work-life balance helps companies sustain in this dynamic world. My focus is to study from both perspectives - the employee's and the employer's - on work-life balance.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could assist me in refining my topic to be more specific so that I can succeed in my interview.

Thank you,

Regards,
ASHI

Hello to all, can anyone please guide me in selecting a topic for a Ph.D. from the following options along with the questionnaire:

1) Work-life balance and emotional intelligence, especially in the teaching sector.
2) Stress management in working women.
3) A Critical Study on Work-life Balance of BPO Employees in India.
4) Emotional intelligence recruitment tool.

Thank you,
Anamika

Hello Anamika,

The first thing I would like to know is "ABOUT YOU." Please tell us what you think is the best topic for you and why you want to pursue it. Your current qualifications, achievements, purpose for enrolling in a Ph.D., and what motivates you to pursue it are also important to know. This information will help me and other experts guide you accordingly, as we all understand how important this decision is for you.

Purpose and Interest in Ph.D. Studies

The topics you have selected are good in their respective areas, but the most important thing to remember is the "PURPOSE & INTEREST" for enrolling in a Ph.D. The first step in considering a research study is identifying your "PURPOSE & INTEREST," which is crucial as it directs the entire journey of your research. Purpose and interest are built on the foundation of required education, specialization, and a strong understanding of a subject, which helps maintain your interest throughout the study. In fact, no one can even think about pursuing a Ph.D. without genuine interest.

The topic that makes you feel confident and knowledgeable, and can keep you engaged during your study, is the one you should choose. "Entertain" here implies keeping your interest alive and encouraging you to put in your best efforts to reach your goals.

Now, please share more about yourself.

In addition to what Anil Arora has stated, you also need to ensure that you can access necessary data and have a supervisor who is interested in your research and capable of guiding you. I do not know how much you know about Research Methodology and the requirements for obtaining a Ph.D.

Criteria for a Ph.D.

One of the criteria is adding to the present knowledge bank, and the other is about your research being current (not outdated). One Ph.D. graduate was not awarded the degree as someone else had already published on the same topic a couple of months earlier. Another researcher had to shelve the idea of writing up the thesis as he/she failed to get the necessary access to "triangulate" the studies done.

Steps to Develop Your Research

Instead of seeking a ready-made questionnaire, I suggest that you kindly study some recent literature on the topic of interest. This step is essential to know what others have done, how and why in that way, and find out where the gap exists that needs further studies to be conducted.

Work-Life Balance: A Case of Social Responsibility or Competitive Advantage?

Work-Life Balance for Women Executives in Indian Companies

Study of Work-Life Balance as a Source of Job Dissatisfaction and Withdrawal Attitudes in Indian Companies

A Critical Study on Work-Life Balance of BPO Employees in India

An Analysis of Working Time, Gender, and Work-Life Balance in Indian Companies

I have completed an MBA in HR and Finance. Now, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in HR. I need help in choosing a topic for my research in HR.

My name is Prerna, and I have been working as an HR professional with an IT company since 2011, after completing my MBA in HR from Mumbai University. I am planning to pursue a Ph.D. in HR from TISS next year and need guidance regarding research topics. This will help in planning and reading extensively on the respective topic even before the commencement of the Ph.D. program.

Regards,
Prerna

Dear Student, please select any one topic and discuss it with me.

Some Topics for Your Research in Business Ethics May Be:

1. Managing the Risks of Business Ethics and Compliance in Indian Companies
2. Using Business Ethics and Corporate Governance as Anti-Corruption Tools in the Indian Perspective
3. Building a Culture of Ethical Business Conduct in Indian Companies
4. Comparative Analysis of Business Ethics Policy in Multinational Companies
5. Responsible Entrepreneurship: A Collection of Good Practice Cases Among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Across Gujarat/India
6. Developing a Framework for Corporate Social Responsibility: A Business Contribution to Sustainable Development in Gujarat
7. Does Corporate Responsibility Pay Off: Exploring the Links Between CSR and Competitiveness in Gujarat's Industrial Sectors
8. Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovative SMEs in a Global Economy: Towards a More Responsible and Inclusive Globalization
9. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Responsible Business Practice in Indian Companies
10. Building Linkages for Competitive and Responsible Entrepreneurship: Innovative Partnerships to Foster Small Enterprise, Promote Economic Growth, and Reduce Poverty in Developing Countries
11. A Study of Ethics in the Provision and Use of IT for Business in Indian Companies
12. Developing a Logic Model for Responsible Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development, Environmental Valuation and Policy Laboratory
13. An Assessment of SME Clusters and Responsible Competitiveness in Developing Countries
14. Study of Implementing Codes of Conduct: How Businesses Manage Social Performance in Global Supply Chains
15. Evaluation of the Corporate Social Responsibility of Gujarat/India's Firms
16. A Critical Analysis of Public Policies on Corporate Social Responsibility: The Role of Government in Gujarat
17. Understanding Responsible Entrepreneurship of Micro-Businesses in Gujarat/In Indian Companies
18. Comparative Analysis of Personal Ethics and Business Ethics: The Ethical Attitudes of Owners/Managers of Small Businesses in Gujarat/India
19. Understanding the Limits of Strategic Rationality: Ethics, Enterprise Risk Management, and Governance in India
20. A New Methodological Approach for Studying Moral Reasoning Among Managers in Business Settings in Indian Companies
21. Analyzing the Moral Reasoning of CEOs in the Automobile/Textile Industry
22. Study of the Association Between Ethical Conflict and Adverse Outcomes in Indian Companies
23. Study of Relationships Among Perceived Organizational Core Values, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethics, and Organizational Performance Outcomes: An Empirical Study of Information Technology Professionals
24. Does Social Performance Really Lead to Financial Performance? Accounting for Endogeneity
25. Study of Ethical Marginality: The Icarus Syndrome and Banality of Wrongdoing in Indian Companies
26. Social and Symbolic Capital and Responsible Entrepreneurship: An Empirical Investigation of SME Narratives in Indian Companies
27. Driving Forces Behind CSR in an SME Context: Internally Driven CSR in Indian Companies
28. Comparison of SMEs and CSR Theory: Evidence and Implications from Gujarat/Indian Perspective
29. Small Business Manager Attitudes Relating to the Significance of Social Responsibility Issues: A Longitudinal Study in Indian Companies
30. Developing a Regulatory Framework on Corporate Accountability in Indian Companies
31. Computer Ethics: An Argument for Rethinking Business Ethics in Indian Companies

Some Other Topics of Your Interest in HRM Are:

1. An Industry View on Turning Talent Management into a Competitive Advantage
2. Integrated and Integrative Talent Management in Extending the Value of a Strategic Framework
3. Business Value of an Integrated Talent Management Framework
4. Integrating HR & Talent Management Processes in Companies
5. Talent Management Strategies for Attracting and Retaining the Best and the Brightest Employees in the Indian Context
6. Organizational Stress Management: Survival Strategies for Turbulent Times
7. Critical Incident Stress Management in Some Companies
8. Designing a Comprehensive Stress Management Module Among Top-Level Managers
9. A Study of Line Management Behavior and Stress at Work
10. Impact of Stress Management on Human Competencies in Indian Companies
11. E-HRM: Designing a Model Based on Technology Acceptance Model
12. Evaluating the Strategic Potential of e-HRM in Indian Companies
13. e-HRM Effectiveness in a Public Sector Organization: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective
14. The Use and Impact of e-Human Resource Information Systems on Human Resource Management Professionals
15. e-HRM Consequences in Indian Companies
16. Effecting HRM-Style Practices Through an Integrated Human Resource Information System
17. An Exploratory Analysis of E-HRM in the Context of HRM Transformation
18. Work-Life Balance: A Case of Social Responsibility or Competitive Advantage?
19. Work-Life Balance for Women Executives in Indian Companies
20. Study of Work-Life Balance as a Source of Job Dissatisfaction and Withdrawal Attitudes in Indian Companies
21. A Critical Study on Work-Life Balance of BPO Employees in India
22. An Analysis of Working Time, Gender, and Work-Life Balance in Indian Companies

Some Recent Research Topics on Motivating Employees Are:

1. A Simulation Modelling Perspective on Motivation and Coordination in Development Projects
2. A Model of Motivation Based on Empathy for Employees
3. Motivating Knowledge Workers to Innovate: A Model Integrating Motivation Dynamics and Antecedents
4. Strategies for Assessing and Enhancing Motivation: Keys to Promoting Self-Regulated Learning and Performance
5. Mathematical Modelling of Human Motivation: A Vector Hypothesis
6. Modelling Employee Motivation and Performance [New Model Development and Testing]
7. The Motivation of Software Engineers: Developing a Rigorous and Usable Model
8. Cognitive Processes of Human Perception with Emotions, Motivations, and Attitudes
9. Motivation in Layered Reference Model of the Brain (LRMB)
10. Incentives, Motivation, and Workplace Performance
11. Relative Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Cooperative, Competitive, and Independent Monetary Incentive Systems
12. Expectancy Theory and Operant Conditioning Predictions of Performance Under Variable Ratio and Continuous Schedules of Reinforcement
13. Task Characteristics, Reward Contingency, and Intrinsic Motivation in Companies of Meghalaya
14. Are Intrinsic and Extrinsic Rewards Additive: A Test of Deci's Cognitive Evaluation Theory of Task Motivation in Indian Companies
15. From Individual Incentives to an Organization-Wide Gain Sharing Plan: Effects on Teamwork and Product Quality
16. Performance Self-Predictions: The Impact of Expectancy Strength and Incentives
17. The Effects of a Combined Goal Setting, Feedback, and Incentive Intervention on Job Performance in a Manufacturing Environment
18. Effects of the Manipulation of a Performance-Reward Contingency on Behavior in a Simulated Work Setting
19. Importance of Participative Goal Setting and Anticipated Rewards on Goal Difficulty and Job Performance
20. The Effects of Goal Setting and Monetary Incentives on Self-Efficacy and Performance
21. Analyzing the Assigned Goal Incentive Interaction: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Personal Goals
22. An Experimental Analysis of the Impact of Contingent Reinforcement on Salespersons' Performance Behavior
23. Managing Promotion Program Participation Within Manufacturer-Retailer Relationships
24. The Effects of Contingent and Noncontingent Rewards on Employee Satisfaction and Performance
25. Additivity Versus Nonadditivity of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Incentives: Implications for Work Motivation, Performance, and Attitudes
26. The Influence of Monetary Incentives on Goal Choice, Goal Commitment, and Task Performance
27. Employee Reactions to Continuous and Variable Ratio Reinforcement Schedules Involving a Monetary Incentive
28. The Influence of Rater Motivation on Assimilation Effects and Accuracy in Performance Ratings
29. Motivation, Behavior, and Performance: A Closer Examination of Goal Setting and Monetary Incentives
30. Group-Administered Bonus Pay and Retail Store Performance
31. Money Reinforcement and Human Operant (Work) Behavior: Piecework-Payment and Time-Payment Comparisons
32. The Contingent-Noncontingent Compensation Controversy: An Attempt at a Resolution
33. The Effects of Task Content and Reward Contingency Upon Task Performance and Satisfaction
34. Test of the Mediating Role of Goals in the Incentive-Performance Relationship
35. Mediating Roles of Self-Set Goals, Goal Commitment, Self-Efficacy, and Attractiveness in the Incentive-Performance Relation
36. The Effectiveness of Performance Incentives Under Continuous and Variable Ratio Schedules of Reinforcement
37. Yin and Yang Cognitive Motivational Processes
38. Does Pay for Performance Increase or Decrease Perceived Self-Determination and Intrinsic Motivation?
39. Importance of Participative Goal Setting and Anticipated Rewards on Goal Difficulty and Job Performance

Some Latest Topics in Communication Research Are:

1. A Study of Managerial Communication for Fostering a High-Performance Workplace in Indian Companies
2. Communication Through Integrated Channels and Structured Approach in Indian Companies
3. Understanding Personality Types and Their Effect on Supportive Communication
4. A Study of Organizational Values in Managerial Communication
5. An Analysis of the Role of Internal Communication and Training in Infusing Corporate Values and Delivering Brand Promise
6. Study of Communicating Services Brands' Values: Internally and Externally in the Indian Context
7. Developing, Communicating, and Promoting Corporate Ethics Statements: A Longitudinal Analysis
8. Study of Direct and Indirect Effects of Supervisor Communication on Organizational Commitment
9. Study of Effect of Knowledge, Sensitivity, Skills, and Values in Organizational Communication
10. Strategies to Improve Managerial Communication in Indian Companies
11. A Study on Barriers to Communication Management in the Executive Suite
12. New Methods to Improve Excellence in Public Relations and Communication Management in Selected Indian Companies
13. Integrated Marketing Communications: Putting It Together and Making It Work in Indian Companies
14. Study on Women in Public Relations: Problems and Opportunities, The Impact of the Increasing Percentage of Women in Public Relations and Organizational Communication
15. Study on Strategic Public Relations & Integrated Communications in Indian Companies
16. Symmetrical Presuppositions as a Framework for Public Relations Theory and Its Impact in Indian Companies
17. Interactivity and Communication Mode Choice in Ongoing Management Groups
18. Rational and Social Theories as Complementary Explanations of Communication Media Choices: Two Policy-Capturing Studies
19. Interdepartmental Communication and Intraorganizational Strain in Indian Companies
20. Study of Inter-Departmental Negotiation in Organizations: Re-Defining Organizational Communication

Regards.

I am planning to do a Ph.D. in HRM. Kindly suggest topics for me to consider. Thank you.

Dear Sir,

It's a pleasure and an honor to have professionals like you who are continuously developing the community through their valuable contributions. It's our pleasure to be under your guidance to nurture and nourish our knowledge. Following this, I am also looking forward to pursuing a Ph.D. in HR for which I am about to appear for an interview. If I clear it, I humbly request your support and guidance. It would be very kind of you to share your contact details so that I can learn from your experience.

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Lakshita Gaur Malara HR - Corporate Functions [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Suggested Topics by Dr. A K TIWARI:

1. An industry view on turning talent management into a competitive advantage
2. Integrated and Integrative Talent Management in extending the Value of a Strategic Framework
3. Business Value of an Integrated Talent Management Framework
4. Integrating HR and Talent Management Processes in companies
5. Talent Management Strategies for Attracting and Retaining the Best and the Brightest employees in the Indian context
6. Organizational Stress Management: Survival Strategies for turbulent Times
7. Critical Incident Stress Management in some companies
8. Designing a Comprehensive Stress Management Module among Top Level Managers
9. A study of Line management behavior and stress at work
10. Impact of Stress Management on Human Competencies in Indian companies
11. E-HRM: Designing a model based on the technology acceptance model
12. Evaluating the Strategic Potential of e-HRM in Indian companies
13. e-HRM Effectiveness in a Public Sector Organization: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective
14. The Use and Impact of e-Human Resource Information Systems on Human Resource Management Professionals
15. e-HRM Consequences in Indian companies
16. Effecting HRM-style Practices Through an Integrated Human Resource Information System
17. An Exploratory Analysis of E-HRM In The Context of HRM Transformation
18. Work-Life Balance: A Case of Social Responsibility or Competitive Advantage?
19. Work-Life Balance for Women Executives in Indian companies
20. Study of Work-life balance as a source of job dissatisfaction and withdrawal Attitudes in Indian companies
21. A Critical Study on Work-life Balance of BPO Employees in India
22. An analysis of Working time, gender, and work-life balance in Indian companies

Good day. I am Md. Omar Faruk from Bangladesh. I did my BBA and MBA in Bangladesh, with HRM as my major for the MBA. Now I want to pursue a PhD in HRM in Malaysia. Could you please suggest an easy topic for my PhD research and provide guidance on how to start the process? Your assistance in preparing the research proposal would be highly appreciated. I have 3.5 years of job experience in the Telecom Industry in Bangladesh, and I believe a topic related to the Bangladesh Telecom Industry would be beneficial for my research proposal. My LinkedIn ID is [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]. I am very grateful for your help. Take care. Bye.

Regards,
MD. OMAR FARUK

Respected Tiwari Sir, I am pursuing a PhD in Management HR. My topic is "Comparative Analysis on the Effectiveness of Motivation & Performance Appraisal in Private Companies." Kindly suggest how I can focus more on my topic.

Regards,
Reena Sharma

I completed my Master's in Hospital Administration and am preparing for a Ph.D. in HRM and Organizational Behavior. I have reviewed topics suggested by Dr. A. K. Tiwari and Sir Anil Arora. I want to know, if I mention a topic with an Indian perspective, for example, the use of Business Ethics and Corporate Governance as anti-corruption tools in the Indian context, what should be my research method? Also, conducting research in just one state may not fulfill my research objectives. In that scenario, do I need to travel? Please reply.

Regards

Respected all,

This is Col. Vinod Kumar from the Indian Army with over 20 years of experience and commissioned service in Army Logistics. I have had an overseas tenure as Chief Logistics Operations in South Sudan as part of the United Nations Mission.

I am seeking guidance for a topic for a Ph.D. in HR Management with a focus on Psychology. I hold an MSc in Defence Studies & Strategic Planning and an MBA in Strategic Management. Additionally, I am presently pursuing an MA in Psychology from IGNOU.

Your guidance and suggestions are highly solicited, please.

Regards, Col. Vinod Kumar