Dr Aileen Lawless
Liverpool Business School

Faculty: Faculty of Business and Law
School: Liverpool Business School
Email address: A.Lawless@ljmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0151 231 3851
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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
Editorial boards:
Innovations in Practice, Editorial Board, http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/eaqs/innovationsinpractice.htm. 2012
Action Learning: research & practice, Editorial Board. 2008
Reflective Practice, International Advosory Board. 2002
Membership of professional bodies:
Member, British Academy of Management, http://www.bam.ac.uk/. 2011
Member, British Psychological Society, http://www.bps.org.uk/. 2001
Chartered Fellow, Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).
Other Professional Activity:
Professional Development Course for External Examiners Higher Education Academy October 2017.