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Monday, June 30, 2025

HR-specific Ph.D. viva questions

 Ph.D in Human Resource Management (HR), the viva questions will focus on your understanding of HR theories, contemporary issues, and the application of HR practices in organizations.


1. General / Introduction

  • What led you to pursue a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management?

  • Can you give an overview of your research topic?

  • Why is this topic important in today’s HR landscape?

  • What are the key objectives and research questions of your study?

2. Literature Review (HR Focus)

  • Which HR theories or models guided your research? (e.g., Herzberg's, Maslow’s, Ulrich’s Model)

  • What are the recent trends in HR research related to your topic?

  • How does your literature review establish the research gap?

  • Did you encounter any conflicting theories or findings in your review?

3. Research Methodology (HR Applications)

  • What research design did you use (qualitative/quantitative/mixed), and why?

  • How did you select your sample (e.g., employees, HR managers, industries)?

  • Which HR metrics or performance indicators did you use?

  • Did you use surveys, interviews, or case studies? Why?

  • How did you address ethical concerns when researching human subjects?

4. Data Analysis & Tools

  • What statistical or qualitative tools did you use (e.g., SPSS, AMOS, NVivo)?

  • How did you validate your HR constructs (e.g., job satisfaction, engagement)?

  • What techniques did you use for analyzing employee perceptions or behaviors?

  • Can you explain how your findings support or challenge existing HR practices?

5. HR-Specific Discussion Questions

  • What were your main findings regarding employee behavior or HR practices?

  • How can your study help HR professionals improve performance or retention?

  • Did you find differences in HR practices across industries/sectors?

  • How does your research address real-world HR challenges (e.g., burnout, hybrid work)?

6. Implications & Recommendations

  • What strategic HR recommendations emerge from your study?

  • How can HR managers implement your suggestions practically?

  • What are the implications of your findings for talent management or leadership development?

  • Can your research influence HR policy formulation?

 7. Limitations & Scope

  • What were the limitations of your study in an HR context?

  • How might cultural or organizational differences impact the applicability of your findings?

  • How would you expand your research if given more time or resources?

8. Contribution to HR Knowledge

  • What is the key theoretical contribution of your study to HRM?

  • How is your research unique from other HR studies?

  • Does your study open new areas for HR research?

  • How have you bridged the gap between academic HR theory and organizational HR practice?

9. Questions from Your HR Thesis

  • Why did you focus on a specific HR function (e.g., performance appraisal, training, or talent acquisition)?

  • Can you explain this figure/table showing employee engagement trends?

  • How did you define and measure constructs like employee satisfaction or retention?

10. Practical & Personal Reflection

  • What HR consulting or practical applications does your research support?

  • How has conducting this research changed your view on managing people?

  • Do you see yourself working in academia, consulting, or HR practice in the future?

Tips for Preparation

Be ready with 2-minute summaries for:

  • Your research title and objectives

  • The gap in literature

  • Your key findings and contributions.

With Regards.,    
                                                                                                          

Dr Anthony Rahul Golden S 
M.Com., M.Phil., NET., 
Ph.D., MBA.,SET., NET., M.A., M.Sc. (Psy)., M.A.,  PGDBA., 
Asst. Professor of Commerce.Loyola College (Autonomous), Chennai - 34
Mobile No- 91+9176313545

https://yesrahul.blogspot.com/

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8071-4801

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anthony-Golden-S 
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=faw7X-UAAAAJ

 

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