4 & 5 December 2014
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Co-Hosted by
Universiti Teknologi MARA and Curtin University 

Much contemporary HRM research focuses on establishing clear linkages between HRM strategies and organizational effectiveness, a key driver of the notion of ‘competitive advantage’. Such imperatives have been heightened by such characteristics of globalization as dynamic workforce demographics, and greater emphasis on customer loyalty and human capital, leading to HRM challenges of ‘strategic decision-making, culture management, fast change and market-driven connectivity’ (Brockbank & Ulrich 2003).

It is generally accepted that competitive advantage derives from the optimal utilization of internal organizational resources (Wright et al 2001: 702), notably human resources or human capital, ensured through the alignment of HRM strategies and processes and overall business strategies (Brockbank and Ulrich 2003; Boudreau and Ramstad 2003). This is the key assumption underlying contemporary taxonomies of HRM roles and competencies which together facilitate such successful alignments.

This conference focuses on the nature of the relationship between HRM and organizational effectiveness, with particular reference to the strategic business partner role; its key characteristics, benefits, and contributions to organizational effectiveness; with particular reference to its similar and diverse applica- tions in Asia Pacific economies.

For more information

Presented by Professor Charles Woolfson (moderated by Professor Geoffrey Harcourt)

Examining the Baltic States through national level studies connected within a European and global political economy, Professor Woolfson highlights the profound vulnerabilities created by unwavering commitment to liberalised economies, not least in terms of the significant ‘exit’ of their labour forces and consequent population loss.

Looking beyond basic financial metrics, he provides evidence of the damaging economic and social consequences of austerity measures based on ‘internal devaluation’ and argues that they are compromising prospects for successful integration in the now- faltering European project that has departed from its ‘Social Model’ roots. 

About the author
Charles Woolfson is Professor of Labour Studies at Linköping University, Sweden and Professorial Visiting Fellow,
Industrial Relations Research Centre, Australian School of Business.

Professor Woolfson is Co-Editor with Jeffrey Sommers of The Contradictions of Austerity: The Socio-economic Costs of the Neoliberal Baltic Model (Routledge, May 2014) with a Foreword by James Galbraith. 
Author website: http://www.isv.liu.se/medarbetare-vid-isv/woolfson-charles?l=en

Event details
When : Tuesday, 17 June 2014: 12–2pm (Presentation starts 12.30pm; Q and A from 1.30pm)
Where : Business Lounge Floor 6, Australian School of Business, Western Lobby Building E12, UNSW Kensington, Sydney NSW 2052
Cost : Free. Light refreshments provided.
RSVP : Elizabeth Lawler, Australian School of Business by 10 June  (ASBMediaandComms@unsw.edu.au)