Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit explores sustainability-oriented aspects of HR functions and practices in large companies in a globalised world. Also, the focus of the unit is to integrate sustainability principles in both HRM theory and the practical decision-making of all managers performing the role of managing people. In sustainable HRM, the notion of success is extended beyond the single financial performance bottom line, considering simultaneously human, social and ecological sustainability based on a paradox perspective. Research and insights from diverse fields, including strategic HRM, Sustainable HRM, Green HRM, corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and organisation theory as well as examples and cases from HRM practice provide inspiration to students to appreciate social justice and equality for employee dignity.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Evaluate sustainable and unsustainable HRM and org...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically review theories, research and practices...
Learning Outcome 02
Elaborate acquired knowledge and skills to underst...
Learning Outcome 03
Developed competence to measure, analyse and discu...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Human resource management in the 21st century: Sustainable HRM
- Appraise the context for developing sustainable HRM
- Examine the paradox perspective for sustainable HRM
- Elaborate sustainable HRM values and strategies
- Interpret the theories of sustainable HRM
- Discuss reducing harm and negative externality as a strategy for sustainable HRM
- Explore greening as a strategy for sustainable HRM
- Construct implementing sustainable HRM practices
- Reflect on measurements for sustainable HRM practices
- Analyse sustainability reporting and Sustainable HRM
- Re-defining the strategic HR role to sustainable HR role
- Distinguish global sustainable HRM practices
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. Such procedures may include, but are not limited to: essays, reports, examinations, student presentations or case studies.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Verbal Presentation This asse...
Assessment Task 1: Verbal Presentation
This assessment task consists of 10-minute verbal presentation with additional 5 minutes for Q&A. This task requires students to critically reflect on a sustainable HRM topic of their choice, demonstrate how this modified their horizon and provide implication for future research and practice.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Oral presentation
Artefact: Oral presentation/recording, and presentation notes (500 words)
30%
Assessment Task 2: Critical Essay This assessment...
Assessment Task 2: Critical Essay
This assessment task consists of a 1500-word written critical essay. This task requires students to critically discuss how new developments in sustainable HRM extends strategic HRM theories in benefiting organisations as well as society.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Essay
Artefact: Written essay
40%
Assessment Task 3: Sustainable HRM for common goo...
Assessment Task 3: Sustainable HRM for common good – Case analysis report
This assessment task consists of a 1500-word written report. This task requires students to critically review research and practices with regard to the complexities of sustainable HRM initiatives based on published real world sustainability reports. Students will be required to analyse Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for sustainability submitted by two corporations and develop a report regarding the initiatives that the corporations have taken to address sustainable HRM indicators.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Report
Artefact: Written report
30%
Mariappanadar S (2019) Sustainable Human Resource Management: Strategies, Practices and Challenges. 1st ed., Macmillan International, UK.
Vanka, S., Bhaskara Rao, M., Singh, S. (2020). Sustainable Human Resource Management: Transforming Organizations, Societies and Environment, Springer.
Mariappanadar, S. (2020). Do HRM systems impose restrictions on employee quality of life? Evidence from a sustainable HRM perspective. Journal of Business Research, 118, 38-48.
Macke, J., & Genari, D. (2019). Systematic literature review on sustainable human resource management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 208, 806-815.
Aust, I., Matthews, B., & Muller-Camen, M. (2020). Common Good HRM: A paradigm shift in Sustainable HRM?. Human Resource Management Review, 30(3), 100705.
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Mode: Lectures; tutorials; workshops
Duration: 12-week semester or equivalent. Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including any class attendance that may be required, readings and assessment preparation.