People, Behaviours and Identities in Employment Settings: Organisational Complexities and Influences

Join colleagues, researchers and practitioners for an engaging afternoon of research and discussion exploring the evolving nature of work, identity and organisational life. This thought-provoking seminar showcases current research examining how organisational policies, leadership practices, workplace cultures and institutional structures shape employee experiences, behaviours and professional identities.

The session will present a diverse range of contemporary studies, spanning higher education, human resource development, gender equality and teacher professional identity. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals operating within complex organisational environments and hear evidence-based perspectives on how organisations can better support learning, inclusion, wellbeing and career development.

*This event will be held in person and online via Teams. Please choose the appropriate ticket type when booking.

Presentations Include:

Two Heads Are Better Than One: Evaluating a Dual Approach to Supporting Degree Apprentices in Higher Education with Academic Tutors and Work-Based Tutors

This presentation explores an innovative support model designed to enhance the experience of degree apprentices. Through apprentice-led research, the study examines how academic and workplace support structures can help learners navigate the complexities of balancing employment and higher education. Findings demonstrate positive impacts on learner confidence, progression and professional development, offering valuable lessons for apprenticeship providers and educators.

Destructive Leadership and Human Resource Development

Drawing on contemporary literature, this presentation examines the causes and consequences of destructive leadership within organisations. It considers the impact such leadership can have on individuals, teams and organisational performance, while exploring the role of Human Resource Development in preventing, identifying and mitigating harmful leadership behaviours.

Industrial Action and Emergent Workplace Identities: Examining the Experiences of Trainee Primary School Teachers in the United Kingdom

This research investigates how trainee primary school teachers experience industrial action during the formative stages of their professional journey. By exploring the influences of schools, unions and wider educational stakeholders, the study reveals how industrial action can shape emerging professional identities, career perceptions and future engagement with the teaching profession.

An Examination of the Impact of Athena SWAN as an External Gender Equality Scheme in UK Universities: Evidence from a Gold-Awarded Department

This presentation critically examines the lived experiences of women academics within an Athena SWAN Gold-awarded department. The research explores the tensions between visibility and representation, questioning how equality initiatives are experienced in practice and considering the extent to which organisational commitments translate into meaningful cultural change.

Why Attend?

Discover emerging research on workplace identities, organisational behaviour and professional development.

Explore contemporary challenges in leadership, equality, learning and employee experience.

Engage with researchers from across disciplines and sectors.

Contribute to discussions around creating more inclusive, supportive and effective workplaces.

Network with academics, practitioners, postgraduate researchers and students interested in employment, organisations and the future of work.

Whether your interests lie in organisational behaviour, human resource management, education, leadership, equality and diversity, or workplace learning, this session offers valuable insights into the complexities of modern employment settings and the people who navigate them.

Events Access & Inclusivity

At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible.

If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: events@yorksj.ac.uk or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision.

Freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom are core principles of our University and underpin our mission to foster intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our staff / students / S

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