Dr. Kiran Thakur
Dr. Kiran Thakur is an accomplished Human Resource Management professional, academician and researcher with a Doctorate and Master of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management. Her teaching interests span human resource management, organizational behavior, leadership and employee relations.
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, research-based instruction and industry-aligned curriculum development, ensuring students receive practical and theoretical knowledge. Dr. Thakur strongly believes that fostering a conducive learning environment is the foundation of effective teaching. She leads research studies focusing on work-life balance, workplace spirituality, employee engagement, leadership, information systems governance and sustainability. Most of her research was published in various reputed, peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings and book chapters. Dr. Thakur's work adopts an interdisciplinary approach to explore contemporary challenges in human resource management, emphasizing the role of technology, artificial intelligence, leadership and organizational culture in shaping employee experiences and business outcomes. Outside of academia, she enjoys exploring online courses, cooking and spending quality time with her family.
Experience and Expertise
Dr. Kiran Thakur has over 15 years of diverse experience in academia and research, she has established herself as a subject matter expert in talent management and recruitment and retaining talents. Over the years, she has taught a wide range of HR and management courses, such as talent management, organizational behavior, employee relations, performance management, business ethics and cross-cultural diversity, among others. She has also contributed to program accreditation, course design and academic policy recommendations.
Dr. Thakur has demonstrated excellence in teaching HR courses to a diverse student base, ensuring course effectiveness through blended learning. She has held academic leadership roles, including Course Lead, where she has been instrumental in revising assignments, updating course materials, and mentoring faculty members. She has played an active role in committees such as the Open Education Resource and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Dr. Thakur is an active researcher, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and conference proceedings. She has served as a manuscript reviewer, project supervisor, and Ph.D. co-supervisor. She also brings hands-on HR experience from the recruitment industry, where she managed talent acquisition, job descriptions, recruitment strategies and candidate screening.
Publications
- Chand, B. U. N., Thakur, K., Alias, R., & Dhand, S. (2024). The Misuse of Technology for Business (Organizational) Gains: A Case Study Approach of Implementing SAP-ISU Technology to Unethically Maximize Organizational Profits. Journal of Electrical Systems. doi: https://doi.org/10.52783/jes.2256
- Dhand, S., Sandhu, M., Thakur, K., & Karn, A. K. (2022). A Substantial Study To Understand The Influence Of Training & Development On Organizational Performance Of Startups. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(7), 2356-2362.
- Thakur, K., Singh, J., & Kaur, P. (2017). A Study of Spirituality at Work and Organisational Commitment of University Teachers. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 25(4).
- Thakur, K., & Singh, J. (2016). Spirituality at workplace: A conceptual framework. International Journal of Applied Business and Economic Research, 14(7), 5181-5189.
- Kaur, K., & Verma, K. (2011). Managing Wiser Workforce. Review of Management, 1(2).
- Thakur, K., Chand, B., & Siyal, S. (2024). Building a diverse entrepreneurial leadership team. In Advances in business strategy and competitive advantage book series (pp. 23–46). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-0078-7.ch002
- Dhand, S., Thakur, K., & Chhibber, P. (2024). Embracing multiple intelligences. In Advances in business strategy and competitive advantage book series (pp. 73–92). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-0078-7.ch004
- Chand, B. U. N., & Thakur, K. (2024). Technology Megatrends for Sustainable Business. In Innovation, Sustainability, and Technological Megatrends in the Face of Uncertainties: Core Developments and Solutions (pp. 81-106). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. DOI:10.1007/978-3-031-46189-7_6
- Thakur, K., Chand, B. U. N., & Dhand, S. (2024). Developments in the Remote Work and Learning: Perspectives From Industry and Academia. In Using Crises and Disasters as Opportunities for Innovation and Improvement (pp. 189-214). IGI Global. DOI:10.4018/978-1-6684-9522-3.ch012
- Thakur, K., & Alias, R. (2023). International Compensation. In B. Chand (Ed.), International Human Resources. TopHat. https://tophat.com/catalog/business-and-management/-/full-course/international-human-resources/5898/
Certifications and Professional Memberships
- Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) - CPHR British Columbia and Yukon, Canada
- Senior HR Professional (SHRM-SCP) - SHRM, USA
- Certified in Management (C.I.M.) - Canadian Institute of Management
- Indigo Level 1 Certification
- Member of the Work Wellness Institute
Course Taught at UCW- MBA Department of Leadership & People Management
- HRMT 620 Canadian Human Resource Management
- HRMT622 Talent Management
- HRMT 624 Recruiting and Retaining Talent
- HRMT 625 Management and Employee Relations
