Human Resources & Organization Study Programs

The shift from the traditional description of “Human Resource Management (HRM)” to “People and Culture” reflects a fundamental change in the way companies view the modern role of HRM. Its tasks and the expectations placed on HRM have expanded considerably in recent decades.

The influence and impact of these dynamic processes on the world of work are at the heart of the research interests of the Human Resources and Organization Study Programs.

In addition to research and its contribution to the scientific debate, we develop scientifically sound recommendations for practical action. To this end, we conduct studies in cooperation with practice partners and are open to questions from interested companies and institutions.

From “Human Resource Management” to “People and Culture”

From a strictly administrative area, HR has developed into a strategically oriented business area with a wide range of tasks. This development is accompanied by a multitude of changes that are characterized by new technologies, demographic change, changing work preferences and new (partly digitalized) learning environments.

Contact

Human Resources & Organization Study Programs

Währinger Gürtel 97
1180 Vienna

Tel.: +43 (1) 476 77-5744

Research Areas

The Human Resources & Organization Study Programs focus on the following research areas:

Strategic Change Capability, Organizational Learning, Systemic Organizational Development, Intervention Research
“Trust in AI” and the use of artificial intelligence in human resources development
Diversity, equity and inclusion management, change and transformation in HRM and in organizations
Digitalization in vocational training, promotion of cooperation between learning venues in dual vocational training through the use of digital forms of teaching and learning

Practical Approach

As part of practical projects and theses, solutions and recommendations for action are developed for current, industry-specific challenges in business practice.

Practical projects

More attractive employer through benefits and learning culture?

As part of a practical project, Bachelor students on the Human Resources Management study program took a close look at sDG sDienstleistungsgesellschaft der Erste Bank. The aim was to find out how the company can increase its attractiveness as an employer through benefits and a sustainable learning culture across generations.

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Artificial intelligence and personnel development at ÖBB

Bachelor’s students on the Human Resources Management study program explored the question of how AI can help to better recognize, develop and deploy the skills of employees. On the other hand, possibilities of AI were identified to design individual learning paths and optimize the further training of employees.

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New Work timetable for Wiener Linien

Wiener Linien takes care of all connections in the Austrian capital on a daily basis. Furthermore, they are always keen to strengthen the connection to their employees. Master’s students from the Organizational & Human Resources Development study program at FHWien der WKW worked on a “timetable” for New Work in the blue-collar sector as part of their final thesis.

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How does employee engagement work at Magenta?

What offers for employees are needed for more employee engagement? How can companies promote employee engagement best? 36 students in six teams set themselves this task and started with a comprehensive analysis in the form of literature research, interviews and focus groups. From this, they developed programs and implementation ideas with which Magenta can best support its employees in developing their potential.

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Research Projects

Reality check on HR trends

Practice- and application-oriented research explores trends in HR, personnel development (PD) and organizational development (OD) departments and their future significance.

We also investigate the strategic role of HR-, PD- and OD-departments in the implementation of these new developments in organizations. To this end, HR-, PD- and OD-managers of medium-sized and large Austrian companies are interviewed using a standardized questionnaire.

Trust in Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources Development

The research project investigates trust in the context of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in skills management. It aims to gain a deeper understanding of the trust dynamics between employees as learners, line managers and the AI-based recommendation system.

The results provide valuable insights into the needs of employees, the required leadership skills and enable a holistic integration of AI into business practice while taking ethical principles into account.

Digitalization in vocational education and training

The research interest is based on the realization that learning processes in vocational education and training take place in parallel but uncoordinated at the respective learning locations – training companies, training networks and vocational schools.

Advancing digitalization enables a pluralization of learning locations with physical, virtual and hybrid offerings through virtual learning spaces …

… Cooperation between learning venues with connecting elements to support skills development across learning venues is not only possible, but necessary.

Action research in the context of vocational education and training highlights opportunities and effects.

Cooperation project “SMEs in change”

In the FFG-funded COIN research project, methods were developed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that promote the strategic change capability and innovative strength of companies. The cooperation between the Competence Team Entrepreneurship at the Institute of Corporate Management (now the Management & Entrepreneurship Study Programs) and the Endowed Chair of Organizational Learning at the Institute of Human Resources & Organization (now the Human Resources & Organization Study Programs) ensured a holistic approach to the topic.