51. A Qualitative Descriptive Analysis of the Changing Role of Human Resource Professionals in Higher Education in the Age of Disruptive Workforce Events: A Case Study
- Author
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Jennifer A. Davis
- Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the lived experiences of nine human resource (HR) professionals who worked for land grand institutions on the East coast during disruptive workforce events such as COVID, the great resignation, and quiet quitting. These lived experiences are important, as they describe the continual pressures, inconsistency in policy equity, and lack of resources available to HR professionals. These stories show how HR professionals maintained their confidential nature, while remaining proficient in their field of skill, all the while dealing with the most difficult situations that their university or institution faced with personnel. Applying a constructivist epistemological framework to this study sought to support the lived experiences of those HR professionals who are continually dealing with workforce disruptions that cause a continual evaluation of organizational HR strategy. The three research questions that guided this study are: How do HR professionals in higher education describe the resources available to them when dealing with disruptive events? To what extent are there perceived inequities or equities in higher education when it comes to HR policies and procedures being applied to HR professionals? How do HR professionals in higher education describe the impact that disruptive workforce events have on HR professionals and the perception of the HR role within the organization? Data were collected using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews and a researcher's journal. The results of this study were gathered from nine participants from land grant institutions on the east coast. Important themes that emerged from the data include the impact of the pandemic on HR professionals, perceptions of HR within the institution, implications and resources for disruptive work events, policy advancement and the overarching effects on HR professionals, development of new expectations of HR post-pandemic, institution retention strategies post-pandemic, and effects of the pandemic to HR professionals' university loyalty. Results indicate how HR professionals have adapted and continue to deal with the aftermath of the pandemic, changes to the perceptions of HR, challenging interactions without support and equal application of policies to HR professionals. The conclusions and recommendations of the data gathered will enhance the knowledge of key decision makers to enhance the employment experience of HR professionals. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
- Published
- 2024