Dr Aileen Lawless

Liverpool Business School

Aileen is a Reader in Human Resource Development (HRD) and Head of the Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) research group at Liverpool Business School. She is an experienced academic and HRD practitioner. Her practitioner background has influenced her approach to teaching, research and consultancy. She prioritizes teaching and research that is close to practice and her research involves the active engagement of practitioners. Her work has focused on creating a more equal partnership between academics and practitioners. She is currently interested in ways of engaging learners in issues of integrity in professional and management practice, and in ways managers develop their knowledge through practice and critical reflection.
Aileen is an active member of the University Forum for HRD (UFHRD) and is Deputy Chair (mentoring) for the Research Activities Committee. She works alongside other colleagues in leading the Scholarly Practitioner stream at the annual international UFHRD conferences. In addition, Aileen is Co-Editor of the international journal Action Learning: Research and Practice

Degrees

2008, The University of Lancaster, England, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Research
1997, The University of Salford, England, Master of Science in Management Studies
1986, Liverpool Polytechnic, England, Graduate Institute of Personnel Management
1981, The Queens University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons)

Certifications

2013, Higher Education Academy, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
1999, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Chartered Fellow Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development

Academic appointments

Senior Lecturer, Liverpool Business School, Liverpool John Moores University, 1995 - present

Highlighted publications

Lawless A, Willocks K. 2021. The wicked problem of employee wellbeing: creating safe space within a change laboratory Action Learning: research and practice, 18 :121-135 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Griggs V, Holden RJ, Lawless A, Rae J. 2016. From reflective learning to reflective practice: assessing transfer Studies in Higher Education, 43 :1172-1183 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Milano C, Lawless A, Eades E. 2015. Insider research as part of a master's programme: opportunities lost and found within action learning sets Action Learning: research and practice, 12 :317-324 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Lawless A, Griggs V, Holden RJ, Rae J. 2015. Professional learning in Human Resource Management: Problematising the teaching of reflective practice Studies in Continuing Education, 37 :202-217 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Lawless A, Sambrook S, Stewart J. 2012. Critical human resource development: Enabling alternative subject positions within a master of arts in human resource development educational programme Human Resource Development International, 15 :321-336 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A, Sambrook S, Garavan T, Valentin C. 2011. A discourse approach to theorising HRD: opening a discursive space Journal of European Industrial Training, 35 :264-275 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A. 2008. Action learning as legitimate peripheral participation Action Learning: Research and Practice, 5 :117-129 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A, McQue L. 2008. Becoming a community of critically reﬂective HR practitioners Challenges and opportunities within an MA partnership programme Journal of European Industrial Training, 32 :323-335 DOI Publisher Url

Corley A, Eades E. 2006. Sustaining critically reﬂective practitioners: competing with the dominant discourse International Journal of Training and Development, 10 :30-40 DOI Publisher Url

Corley A, Thorne A. 2006. Action learning: avoiding conflict or enabling action Action Learning: Research and Practice, 3 :31-44 DOI

Corley A, Thorne A. 2005. Reflecting on practice: a partnership approach Reflective Practice, 6 :231-237 DOI Publisher Url

Corley A, Eades E. 2004. ‘Becoming’ critically reﬂective practitioners: academics’ and students’ reﬂections on the issues involved Human Resource Development International, 7 :137-144 DOI Publisher Url

Journal article

Brook C, Lawless A, Sanyal C. 2020. Action learning: research and practice special issue Action Learning: Research and Practice, 17 :169-171 DOI Publisher Url

Edmonstone J, Lawless A, Pedler M. 2019. Leadership Development, Wicked Problems and Action Learning: Provocations to a Debate Action Learning: research and practice, 16 :37-51 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Al-Harthy A, Lawless A, Mouzughi Y. 2017. National HRD in Oman: a Stakeholder Perspective on the Implementation of the National Training Programme International Journal of Human Resource Development: Practice, Policy & Research, 2 :33-47 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Griggs V, Holden RJ, Lawless A, Rae J. 2016. From reflective learning to reflective practice: assessing transfer Studies in Higher Education, 43 :1172-1183 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Lawless A, Sambrook S, Stewart J. 2012. Critical human resource development: enabling alternative subject positions within a master of arts in human resource development educational programme Human Resource Development International, 3 DOI

Lawless A, Sambrook A, Garavan T, Valentin C. 2011. A discourse approach to theorising HRD: opening a discursive space Journal of European Industrial Training, 35 :264-275 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A, Sambrook S, Garavan T, Valentin C. 2011. A discourse approach to theorising HRD: opening a discursive space Journal of European Industrial Training, 35 :264-275 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A. 2008. Action learning as legitimate peripheral participation Action Learning: research and practice, 2 :117-129 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A, McQue L. 2008. Becoming a community of critically reflective HR practitioners: challenges and opportunities within an MA partnership programme practitioners: a partnership approach Journal of European Industrial Training, :323-335 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A, McQue L. 2008. Becoming a community of critically reflective HR practitioners:Challenges and opportunities within an MA partnership programme Journal of European Industrial Training, 32 :323-335 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A. 2008. Action learning as legitimate peripheral participation Action Learning: Research and Practice, 5 :117-129 DOI Publisher Url

Corley A, Eades E. 2006. Sustaining critically reﬂective practitioners: competing with the dominant discourse International Journal of Training and Development, 10 :30-40 DOI Publisher Url

Corley A, Thorne A. 2006. Action learning: avoiding conflict or enabling action Action Learning: Research and Practice, 3 :31-44 DOI

Corley A, Thorne A. 2005. Reflecting on practice: a partnership approach Reflective Practice, 6 :231-237 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A. A discourse approach to theorising HRD: opening a discursive space Lawless A, Sambrook S, Garaven T, Valentin C. Journal of European Industrial Training, 3 :264-275

Lawless A, Corley A. Action learning: avoiding conflict or enabling action Action Learning: research and practice, 1 :31-44 DOI Publisher Url

Conference publication

Tucker MP, Wilson H, Hannibal C, Lawless A, Qu Z. 2021. Delivering professional doctorate education: challenges and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic SHS Web of Conferences, 99 DOI Publisher Url Public Url

Lawless A, Holden RH, Bogh J. Challenges and opportunities in evaluating a masters educational programme: a discourse perspective British Academy of Management Conference Publisher Url

Chapters

Laing M, Lawless A, Humphreys D. 2018. Tales From Academia: The MAD Set Keeble-Ramsay D, Armitage A. Positive Ageing and Human Resource Development Routledge 9781351038621 Publisher Url Public Url

Editorial/letter to the editor

Lawless A. 2018. Scholarly Practice: re-connecting the l, p and q. Action Learning: Research and Practice, DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A. 2016. Nurturing the seeds of action learning: protecting the wild garden Action Learning: research and practice, :99-100 DOI Publisher Url

Pedler M, Lawless A. 2014. Connecting our worlds: the theory practice continuum Action Learning: Research and Practice, 11 :98-100 DOI Publisher Url

Breen J, Lawless A, Pedler M. 2013. How reviews add value to the journal Action Learning: Research and Practice, 10 :75-76 DOI Publisher Url

Lawless A, Brook C, Sanyal C. Adaptive Action Learning: A Refusal to Define Action Learning: research and practice, 18 DOI Publisher Url

Report

Springett J, Barrett GA, Elliott I, Greenop DT, Lawless A, Newman A, Richards A. Pacesetters Workforce Development Evaluation Public Url

Highlighted activities

Conference organisation:

UFHRD European HRD Conference: The responsibility of HRD in the Global Society., Stream Leader: Practitioner research & learning and teaching research, https://www.ufhrd2020.com/. 2020

7th International Action Learning Conference: Action Learning for Social Change, Conference Organising Committee, https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/events/international-action-learning-conference-2020. 2020

Editorial boards:

Action Learning: research & practice, Editorial Board. 2008

Membership of professional bodies:

Chartered Fellow, Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).

Professional activities

Conference organisation:

UFHRD European HRD Conference: The responsibility of HRD in the Global Society., Stream Leader: Practitioner research & learning and teaching research, https://www.ufhrd2020.com/. 2020

University Forum for Human Resource Development Annual Conference 2018: Power and possibility: unleashing the potential of HRD, Stream Lead: Scholarly Practitioner Research, https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/news-events/events/2018/06/university-forum-for-hrd-annual-conference-2018/. 2018

Organisational Learning, Knowledge and Capabilities (OLKC), Organising Committee Member: Action Learning Symposium, https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/management/conferences-and-events/olkc/2018/. 2018

11th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies (ECRM12) University of Bolton, UK on 28th-29th June 2012, Committee Member. 2012

10th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies, Normandy Business School, Caen, France on 20-21 June 2011, Committee Member. 2011

2nd International Action learning Conference, Henley, UK, March, Organising Comittee Member. 2010

Eleventh International Conference on HRD Research and Practice across Europe, Pecs, Turkey, June, Stream Convenor. 2010

Ethnography Conference, London, UK, September, Stream Convenor. 2010

8th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies, University of Malta, Valletta, Malta on the 22-23 June, Committee Member. 2009

7th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies, Regent’s College, London, UK, 19-20 June, Committee Member. 2008

6th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, 9-10 July, Comittee Member. 2007

5th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, 17-18 July. 2006

External PGR examinations performed:

Middlesex University, Professional Doctorate, An Autoethonographic Exploration of a Greek Education Consultant’s Practice: Toward International Professionalism. 2020

University of Bradford, PhD, Identifying Organizational Learning Dimensions That Promote Patient Safety Culture: A Study of Hospital Pharmacies in Kuwait. 2019

Leeds Beckett University, PhD, A phenomenographic study of values. 2018

Coventry University, PhD, A UAE perspective on Work-Life Balance: the case of Emirati working women, their coping strategies and desired initiatives.. 2018

University Of Liverpool, Professional Doctorate, Leadership of Transformational Change: The Assessment and Development of a Change Practice in a UN Agency. 2018

Northumbria University, Professional Doctorate, A story of participants' learning experiences: capturing the complexity and multi-dimensional process of learning on a postgraduate executive action learning programme.. 2018

University of Gloucestershire, PhD, Organisational identification: Exploring the use of training as an employee identification marker in SMEs.. 2018

Middlesex University London, Professional Doctorate, The Pedagogy of Action Learning Facilitation – A Critique of the Role of the Facilitator in an Organisational Leadership Programme. 2018

Anglia Ruskin University, PhD, The Changing Nature of Work in the UK Since Hassard et al (2009): What are employees' perceptions of the changing nature of work in 2014? A study of 3 companies.. 2017

Leeds Beckett University, PhD, How can process improvement be developed at Leeds Beckett University?. 2017

Leeds Beckett University, PhD, Social Media in Automotive Repair: an acceptance study. 2016

University of Manchester, PhD, The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility Education for the Korean Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ Development: A Social Capital Theory Perspective. 2016

University of Gloucestershire, PhD, Factors Affecting Cross-Cultural Adjustment of Western Expatriate Managers in Oil Companies in Libya. 2016

University of Liverpool, Professional Doctorate, Strategic Workforce Planning: A Proposition for Detonating the Demographic time-bomb in the Kenyan Public Service. 2015

Leeds Metropolitan University, Professional Doctorate, High performance coaching in business and sport. 2014

Research Grants Awarded:

University forum HRD Research Honorarium, HRD and employee well-being in the public sector: an activity theory approach, Katie Willocks Lancaster University, Grant value (£): 2,000, Duration of research project: 12 Months. 2020

Society for the Advancement of Management Studies (SAMS), Insider Research: Realizing the potential through connecting communities, Michelle Laing, Deborah M Humphreys, Grant value (£): 2,600, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2015

British Academy of Management: Researcher Development Scheme, Reflection in management practice: an exploration of the extent and nature of reflection post formal tuition, R. J. Holden, V. Griggs, V. and J. Rae, Grant value (£): 3,340, Duration of research project: 1 year 1 month. 2014

University Forum HRD: Research Honoraria, The transfer of reflective learning: a pilot study, J. Rae, V. Griggs V. and R. Holden., Grant value (£): 1,000, Duration of research project: 1 year. 2013

University Forum HRD: Research Honoraria, Evaluating the impact of a masters educational programme: a HR(D) practitioners perspective., Grant value (£): 2,000, Duration of research project: 1 year 6 months. 2012

Department of Health, Evaluation of pacesetters workforce development evaluation, J. Springett, D. Greenop, A. Newman and A. Richards, Grant value (£): 50,000, Duration of research project: 18 months. 2010

University Forum for HRD: Research Honoraria, Competing with the dominant discourse: discursive spaces within a public sector masters ‘community’., Grant value (£): 1,000, Duration of research project: 1 year. 2008

External collaboration:

Leeds University, Vivienne Griggs. 2020

External committees:

Research Activities Committee, University Forum HRD, Deputy Chair Mentoring, http://www.ufhrd.co.uk/. 2017

Research Activities Committee, University Forum HRD, Committee member, http://www.ufhrd.co.uk/. 2010

Other invited event:

HRD, Futures and Scholarly Practice: Towards wisdom-inquiry, Lisbon, Portugal, Symposium to consider key questions surrounding the development (and wider dissemination) of HRD scholarly practice. Aim: Set future research agenda and generate action-knowledge within HRD community. Outcome: To generate copy for a Special Issue of the journal: Action Learning: research and practice.. 2017

British Academy of Management/ Chartered Association of Business Schools Doctoral Symposium, Henley Business School, Henely on Thames, UK, Invited Presentation to DBA Directors. Title: Publish or perish: exploring the barriers and enablers within the context of DBA programmes Aim: To create publication opportunities within the DBA community and enhance the visibility of DBA research within the Business School community.. 2017

Fellowships:

Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (HEA). 2013