The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management recently held a successful international symposium that brought together esteemed academics and industry professionals from around the globe.

Prof Marissa Brouwers, deputy director of the school, says the need for the symposium was motivated by the visit of three distinguished international academics, Prof Charissa Freese and Prof Irmgard Borghouts from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, and Prof Nick Prince from Wyoming University, USA.

The highlight of the event was the public lecture titled “Towards new securities on an inclusive labour market”, delivered by the three visiting academics, and facilitated by the school’s Prof Bouwer Jonker.

With an audience comprising 13 in-person attendees and eight joining online, the symposium showcased a modern approach to academic discourse, ensuring inclusivity for participants regardless of their geographical location.

A variety of significant discussions emerged throughout the symposium. Key topics included the intersection of social security with social policy and industrial relations, emphasising the importance of job transitions and the role of human resource management in fostering a sustainable and inclusive labour market. Participants engaged actively on issues such as social security’s functions in prevention and income protection, as well as the influence of human resource management on social legitimacy and educational practices.

One of the most notable outcomes of the symposium was the establishment of future research collaborations on the inclusive labour market model between Tilburg University and the NWU. Delegates expressed their appreciation for the insightful discussions, noting the relevance of the content, particularly within the South African context.

Prof Brouwers adds that the symposium aligns with the NWU’s strategic priority of internationalisation. “By hosting this event, the School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management harnessed global expertise and created a platform which will foster collaboration and enhance research. In addition, the International Symposium aligns with the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ values of devotion to excellence and scientific involvement.”

The discussions at the symposium also shed light on the future of human resource practices worldwide. Participants agreed on the importance of adopting a sustainable social security perspective in human resources, enhancing social legitimacy, and nurturing international research partnerships to expand the inclusive labour market model.

In light of the symposium’s success, Prof Brouwers says the school is set to host an International Week on 26-27 May 2025, followed by the First Biennial Global People Practice Conference on 28 and 29 May. She adds that these upcoming events reflect a commitment to the continued fostering of international collaboration and knowledge sharing.

For more information on the upcoming events visit: https://commerce.nwu.ac.za/gppc.

The School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management’s International Symposium was a great success.