About WORC

Members of WORC undertake applied research into all aspects of performance in the workplace, individual well-being and performance, and Human Resources Management in its broadest sense. Using a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, our work investigates current and pressing issues in performance at three levels of analysis - the individual, the work team, and the wider organization. We publish in top-tier outlets internationally, advise organizations in partnership, and seek to generate innovative scientific understanding and professional practice in a diverse set of areas of work performance.

Work has four main over-riding areas of research:

• HRM
• Performance at Work
• Social Identity
• Organizational Processes

These major areas can be sub-divided into a larger number of topics and sub-areas within which members of WORC are active. These include:

• Trust in Organizations
• Innovation
• Creativity
• Emotion Work
• Authority
• Public Administration
• Cross-cultural management
• Organisational learning
• Discrimination
• Equality/diversity
• Gender
• Leadership
• Business ethics
• Social Capital
• Merit

Members of WORC are active in publishing in a range of top-tier journals in HRM and OB. These include several top-rated scientific journals as well as more practitioner-oriented outlets and magazines. Members of the research centre have recently published papers in:

• Journal of Applied Psychology
• Human Relations
• British Journal of Management
• International Journal of Human Resource Management
• International Journal of Selection and Assessment
• Gender, Work and Organisation

Research grants are currently, or have been awarded from several bodies, including:

• Economic and Social Research Council
• Leverhulme Trust
• British Academy
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
  

Members of WORC undertake pure, applied, and strategic research into many aspects of HRM in the workplace. Much of our work is theoretically-driven and empirical in nature, but all of our work possesses potential for practical impacts and advances in human resources management in the workplace. We use a range of research methods including quantitative, qualitative, meta-analytic, and in-situ case study approaches. We also offer practical advice and expert guidance to organizations on any relevant aspect of HRM practice and management upon request.

SSTC Work Organization
Funded by RAKE (Entrepreneurship/Research and Knowledge  Exchange fund), this is a collaborative project between members of WORC and  CEBIEM. Against a high failure rate (approximately 90%) of small scale theatre  companies (SSTC’s), research at Brunel has shown that isolation, poor  commercial awareness and lack of sector specific knowledge that make up a  professional identity are key challenges faced by SSTC founders in their  struggles to survive. The research has led to:

• The setting up of Creative Producer’s Collective, a producer led network  managed by Camden Theatres and supported by Camden Council (www.camdentheatres.com)
• The creation of Theatrelab, a network that shares resources and skills of  producers, writers, directors and actors. 
• Performing Arts training outside Brunel that incorporates commercial skills and  sector specific knowledge into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Local Authorities and Police  Services
This project uses a variety of  applied drama (AD) techniques to elicit research questions from practitioners, generate findings and to generate practical solutions. Intervention  projects are primarily with agencies whose tasks rely heavily on 'emotional labour', including police constabularies, nurses, specialists in  occupational medicine, air transport workers and town centre managers.

Knowledge Transfer in SMEs
Delivery of Occupational Health  Services to SMEs: The Case of the ‘Health for Work Adviceline’
This Knowledge Transfer Project aims  to investigate the new multi-channel "Health for Work Adviceline” created  to support SMEs. We will examine the effectiveness of this service in meeting  the needs of SMEs. The study will have an impact on sickness absence management  and other aspects of health at work.