Department of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Return to: Daniels School of Business (Undergraduate)

The Department of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management (OBHR) at Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business focuses on understanding how people, teams and organizations function and thrive in today’s evolving workplace. The department combines rigorous research with practical application to explore how human behavior influences organizational performance, leadership effectiveness and employee well-being. Its work reflects a forward-looking perspective on the future of work, including the impact of technology, artificial intelligence and shifting workforce dynamics.

Faculty in OBHR are leading scholars studying a wide range of topics central to modern organizations, including leadership, motivation, diversity, workplace relationships, talent management and work-life integration. Their research appears in top academic journals and often informs real-world practices, helping organizations create more effective, inclusive and resilient workplaces. The department also plays a key role in advancing conversations around employee well-being through initiatives such as the Center for Working Well, which examines how individuals and organizations can “work well” in a rapidly changing environment.

Academic programs are designed to connect theory with practice. Undergraduate students can complement their studies with a minor in Human Resource Management, while graduate students pursue specialized master’s degrees that emphasize areas such as talent acquisition, compensation, and human capital strategy. These programs incorporate experiential learning through consulting projects, case competitions, conferences, and participation in professional organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

The department also offers a PhD program that prepares future scholars to conduct impactful research on topics such as leadership, workplace fairness, employee engagement and organizational culture. Through close faculty mentorship and rigorous training, doctoral students develop the skills needed for academic and research careers.

Experiential opportunities further enrich the student experience. From research assistantships to industry partnerships and events like the Purdue HR Case Competition, students gain hands-on exposure to real organizational challenges while building professional networks.

Overall, Purdue’s OBHR department integrates cutting-edge research, applied learning, and industry engagement to prepare students to lead people-centered organizations and shape the future of work.

OBHR Faculty

Programs

• Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management, BS

• Human Resource Management Minor

Courses

• OBHR 29300 - Diversity In The Workplace
• OBHR 33000 - Introduction To Organizational Behavior
• OBHR 33500 - Strategic Business Writing (UCC: WC)
• OBHR 39100 - Strategic Thinking And Decision-Making
• OBHR 42930 - Labor Relations
• OBHR 44301 - Management Of Human Resources
• OBHR 44310 - China, America And Artificial Intelligence
• OBHR 44362 - Leadership In A Changing World
• OBHR 44428 - Human Resources Management
• OBHR 44429 - Talent Management
• OBHR 44430 - Staffing: Talent Acquisition
• OBHR 44431 - Compensation: Total Rewards
• OBHR 44433 - Leading And Working In Teams
• OBHR 44434 - Human Resources Analytics
• OBHR 44673 - Intensive Leadership Sprint
• OBHR 44680 - Experiential Learning And Team Consulting Projects
• OBHR 44690 - Negotiation And Decision Making
• OBHR 49000 - Problems In Organizational Behavior
• OBHR 49300 - Storytelling With Data
• OBHR 49700 - The Science Of Working Well

Return to: Daniels School of Business (Undergraduate)