Example human resource management dissertation topic 3:

A review of the ethical and legal and dimensions surrounding diversity at work in the context of human resource management

The nature of society is often mirrored in the culture of organisations that exist within those societies. Accordingly, as society becomes more tolerant of diversity there is a hope that corporate ethical best practices will adapt to reflect those increasing levels of tolerance. Historically, since the time of Barbara Castle, the UK has relied upon pro-active legislation to ensure that the workplace becomes more diversified. However, recent academic analysis such as that by Beauchamp, Bowie and Arnold (2008) suggests that workplaces are now increasingly becoming diversified of their own accord. This dissertation, which uses the food processing sector as the background for its investigation; evaluates the changing nature of diversity within the workplace over the last twenty years and in so doing seek further to evaluate the extent to which legislation has kept pace with societal expectations.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Barmes, L. and Ashtiany, S. (2003) ‘The diversity approach to achieving equality: Potential and pitfalls’, Industrial Law Journal, Vol. 32(4), pp. 274-296.
• Beauchamp, T. L., Bowie, N. E. and Arnold, D. G. (2008) Ethical theory and business (8th edn). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Bird, A. and Beechler, S. (1995) ‘Links between business and transnational human resource management strategy in US based Japanese subsidiaries: An empirical investigation’, Journal of International Business Studies, Vol. 26(1), pp. 23-46.