Contribute to the advancement of HR practices in a rapidly changing world of work
Call for Abstracts
The Department of Human Resource Management and Labour Relations at the University of Venda, in collaboration with Moi University (Kenya), invites the submission of original research abstracts for presentation at the 2nd Human Resource Management International Conference (HRMIC 2026).
HRMIC 2026 provides an international platform for academics, researchers, postgraduate students, HR practitioners, policymakers, and industry professionals to engage in scholarly discourse on the evolving role of human resource management in a rapidly transforming digital, social, and economic landscape.
The conference will be hosted as a hybrid event, allowing both in‑person and online participation.This year’s theme, “Reimagining Human Resource Management in the Digital Era: Leading People, Powering Innovation, and Agile Workplaces,” aims to showcase innovative practices, research insights, and strategies for shaping the future of work.
We welcome submissions aligned with the conference’s core focus areas.
Submissions may be considered for oral or poster presentations.
Download Submission Documents
- Abstract Submission Template (Word)
(Required for all abstract submissions)
Download call for paper document(2nd HRMIC)
Key Themes & Focus Areas
We welcome submissions aligned with the conference’s core focus areas
AI, Automation, and the Future of Work
- Human-AI collaboration in HR
- Responsible AI deployment and job redesign
- Hybrid and borderless workforce structures
Talent Transformation and Global Mobility
- Skills mismatch and adaptive learning systems
- Migration trends and cross-cultural competencies
- Youth employment and future careers
Climate-Responsive and Green HRM
- HR’s role in climate mitigation and adaptation
- Net-zero workplaces and climate change policy
- ESG-aligned HR strategies
Workplace Wellness and Psychosocial Safety
- Mental health innovation in organizational settings
- Digital burnout, trauma-informed HR, and crisis support
- Creating cultures of compassion and resilience
- People Centered Leadership
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)
- Beyond tokenism: Driving structural transformation
- Disability-inclusive and gender-responsive HRM
- AI bias, fairness, and equitable hiring
HR Analytics, Blockchain & Data Governance
- Predictive people analytics
- HR data ethics, security, and smart contracts
- Tech governance in people management
Entrepreneurial HR and the Informal Economy
- HRM in SMEs, cooperatives, and the gig economy
- Social entrepreneurship and community HR solutions
- Formalising informal work through HR innovation
Corporate Governance, Ethics and Compliance
- HR’s contribution to good governance and whistleblowing
- Labour law evolution, anti-corruption and compliance
- Human rights and corporate accountability
Pan-African HRM and Regional Integration
- Indigenous knowledge systems and Ubuntu HRM
- Intra-African talent mobility under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
- African HR accreditation, benchmarking, and leadership
Graduate Paper Development Workshop
A dedicated session for Master’s and PhD students to receive mentorship, feedback, and publishing opportunities on research aligned with the conference theme. Top papers may be fast-tracked for journal publication.
Format Requirements
- Maximum Length: 350–700 words
- Abstract Structure:
- Background
- • Methodology
- Results
- Conclusion / Implications
- Include the Following:
- Title
- Authors
- Affiliations
- Keywords: Provide 3–5 keywords
- File Format: Submit in Microsoft Word or PDF format
Presentation Opportunities
Accepted abstracts will be scheduled for:
- Oral Presentations during themed sessions
- Poster Presentations showcased throughout the conference
Outstanding abstracts may be invited for key spotlight sessions.
Important Date
Abstract Submission Deadline:
25 April 2026
(Late submissions will not be considered.)
Submission Method
All abstracts must be emailed to hrmic@univen.ac.za