Purpose and objectives

The Public Sector Human Resources Special Interest Group (SIG) seeks to advance the field of study of public sector human resource management by addressing contemporary research, in particular deficits in scholarship and practice. Members publish research that strives for excellence in theory, methodologies and original contributions to their field of study.

Our SIG provides a collaborative platform for researchers to develop their research, expert knowledge, co-authorship networks, and grant applications. We facilitate round table discussions and debates, within and outside the IRSPM’s annual conferences, to advance study on public sector human resource management.

We also support new and emergent research, especially from early career researchers and doctoral students, by providing a platform for knowledge exchange, debates, constructive feedback, and testing methodologies and ideas.

The SIG, established in 2018, has provided an excellent series of good quality submissions for each conference providing opportunity for learning and lively debate.

Key dialogues

We take an expansive interpretation of the theme of public sector HRM, but some of our key areas of interest include:

• Comparative perspectives on HRM in the public sector.
• Change trajectories and developments for Public Sector HRM.
• The implications and impact of challenges and crises for the management of public sector human resources.
• The intersection between politics, public administration, and human resource management in the public sector.
• The adoption of digital technologies and AI, and the effects for human resources in the public sector.
• Examination and evaluation of HRM practices in the public sector including, but not limited to, topics as recruitment and selection; equity, diversity, inclusion and representation; career and human resource development; talent management; succession planning and promotion; turnover; and leadership.

How to join

Send an email to Professor Karen Johnston