The course focuses on the principles and practices that prioritize employees at the heart of organizational strategies and decision-making. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster an environment that enhances employee engagement, satisfaction, productivity, and well-being. Key topics include the definition and characteristics of employee-centered organizations, relevant theoretical frameworks, and the significance of organizational culture in promoting employee well-being. We will cover essential management practices that support an employee-centered culture, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and strategies for promoting work-life balance and employee well-being. Students will also discuss issues related to technological and generational changes, as well as explore socio-cultural and international influences. By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to apply their understanding of employee-centered principles in various organizational contexts, ultimately contributing to improved employee experiences.

• Understand the key principles of employee-centered organizations and their impact on organizational success.
• Critically discuss the role of employers in employee well-being. 
• Understand and critically evaluate the influence of technological, generational, cultural, societal, and political changes. 
• Analyze and evaluate strategies for facilitating employee well-being, engagement, and satisfaction. 
• Develop actionable plans to enhance employees' experiences within today's workplaces. 
• Demonstrate improved research, critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills.

This course is to be held in person on campus. No hybrid options will be offered to accommodate individual requests. 

Regular attendance is a requirement to pass this course. Please note that any absences will negatively impact your participation grade. You will fail the course if you are absent for more than 20% of the total course time. Attendance of the first session is mandatory. 

This course is comprised of lectures, discussion, case analyses, exercises, a team project presentation, and a final individual reflection. The course is designed in such a way as to maximize your learning by balancing between lecture and your involvement in discussions, cases, and exercises.

Assessment will be based on both individual and team performance. Breakdown of assignments with percent of total grade:

1. Individual written and oral reflection: 20% of total grade
2. One individual written case analysis: 20% of total grade
3. Team presentation (final grade partially depends on peer evaluations): 30% of total grade
4. Participation: 30% of total grade

More information on these assignments will be provided on the course website at the start of the course.

Please note that successful participation involves thoughtfully contributing to the discussion by answering questions, engaging in a thoughtful analysis of the discussed cases, building on other students’ ideas, actively participating in activities, and synthesizing across readings and discussions. You are expected to have read in advance all the required reading materials and cases and be prepared to discuss them.

Grading key:

90-100% = 1

80-89% = 2

70-79% = 3

60 - 69% = 4

59% and below = 5

Please log in with your WU account to use all functionalities of read!t. For off-campus access to our licensed electronic resources, remember to activate your VPN connection connection. In case you encounter any technical problems or have questions regarding read!t, please feel free to contact the library at readinglists@wu.ac.at.

Prior knowledge of human resource management is helpful but not necessary.

Assoc. Prof. Mihaela Dimitrova, PhD

Department of Global Business and Trade

Office: D1 3.032

I am available via email all throughout the duration of this course: mdimitro@wu.ac.at. Please send me an email with a request for appointment in case you need to meet with me.