Example human resource management dissertation topic 4:

An analysis of the use of rewards management as an incentive for the retention of staff within the higher education sector

As a relative new approach within HR, reward management is concerned with the formulation and implementation of policies and strategies and policies through which people are rewarded fairly for the value that they bring to the company or organisation for which they work. Using the higher education sector as a backdrop to this study this investigation analyses the extent to which rewards, in addition to those financial, can increase staff morale and retention rates amongst employees. Through so doing it considers whether the traditional model of financial payment is sufficient within the current market to ensure that employees always perform of their best.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Perkins, S.J. and White, G. (2011) Reward management: Alternatives, consequences and contexts. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
• Taticchi, P. (2010) Business performance measurement and management: New contexts, themes and challenges. Heidelberg: Springer.
• Thomas, K.W. (2002) Intrinsic motivation at work: Building energy and commitment. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.