4 credits

Human resource (HR) managers bridge the gap between employees and management, creating a challenging relationship requiring the ability to recognize and assess conflict, communicate strategically and effectively, and negotiate for resolutions. Students in this course explore this relationship and examine advanced research topics in labor relations, negotiation, and conflict resolution. They engage in group activities, discussions, and writing assignments on a variety of topics, including the HR role in designing and managing conflict resolution processes beginning with mediation and negotiating with labor and other major human resource constituencies. Through extensive reading and literature review, students identify potential research topics for their dissertation and explore the global and ethical dimensions pertaining to course subject matter.