Overview
This course explores essential Indigenous human resource topics from a Canadian perspective, including communication, leadership, interpersonal skills development, teamwork and groups, and working in digital work environments. Students will gain an overview of the study of human resource management in a business setting, deeply enriched by Indigenous teachings and practices.
Indigenous perspectives are integrated throughout the course, as students engage with topics such as corporate responsibility, workplace diversity, and leadership. Case studies, examples, lesson topics, and reflective prompts reflect both Indigenous and mainstream business contexts.
Important notice: Athabasca University recognizes that this course deals with sensitive topics that might trigger challenging emotional issues for some students. Students are reminded that they must participate within their own capabilities and limits. Students may discuss with the course professor to find support for their mental wellness. Neither the professor nor Athabasca University is responsible for any personal problems that should arise during the participation in this course.
Outline
Opening the Circle
Part 1: Introducing the Human Resource Environment
- Lesson 1: Strategies, Trends, and Opportunities for Human Resource Management
- Lesson 2: Equity, Fairness, Health, and Safety in the Workplace
Part 2: Preparing for and Acquiring Human Resources
- Lesson 3: Analyzing Work and Designing Jobs
- Lesson 4: Planning for and Recruiting Human Resources
- Lesson 5: Selecting Employees
Part 3: Talent Management
- Lesson 6: Training, Learning, and Development
- Lesson 7: Managing Employees’ Performance
Part 4: Compensating and Rewarding Human Resources
Part 5: Meeting Other HR Goals
- Lesson 9: Collectivism, Conflict, and Community – Labour Relations
- Lesson 10: Managing Human Resources Globally
- Lesson 11: Creating and Sustaining High-Performance Organizations
Closing the Circle
- Lesson 12: The Sacred Circle across Cultures – A Culminating Practice in Indigenous Human Resources
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, students should be able to do the following:
- Understand the foundational principles of Human Resource Management, including the strategic importance in organizations and how HR functions align with business objectives.
- Analyze workforce planning strategies, recruitment, and selection processes to attract and retain talent effectively.
- Evaluate training and development practices that support employee growth and organizational goals, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
- Develop and critique compensation and reward systems, incorporating principles of fairness, equity, and motivation.
- Explore the dynamics of labour and relations, including the role of unions and collaborative strategies to resolve workplace conflicts.
- Assess the challenges and opportunities in managing Human Resources in Global Markets, with sensitivity to cross-cultural considerations.
- Examine the elements and outcomes of high-performance work systems and the role HR plays in fostering them.
- Apply Indigenous ways of knowing or HR practices, emphasizing holistic balance and their relevance in modern organizations (integrated throughout all chapters).
- Analyze the evolving role of HR professionals and Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) in strategic decision-making and organizational leadership.
- Integrate key learnings from all chapters to address HR challenges, propose solutions, and reflect on the role of HR in promoting equity, balance, and organizational success.
- Critically reflect on the role of HR in fostering holistic well-being in the workplace and the importance of the Indigenous approaches creating inclusive and high-performing organizations.
Evaluation
Your final grade in INBU 386 is determined by a weighted average of the grades you receive on five written assignments and a final paper. To receive credit for INBU 386, you must achieve a minimum grade of 50 percent on the final paper and an overall grade of D (50 percent) or better for the entire course.
The weightings for each assignment and the exam are as follows:
| Activity | Weight | Complete by |
| Assignment 1 | 15% | After Lesson 2 |
| Assignment 2 | 15% | After Lesson 5 |
| Assignment 3 | 15% | After Lesson 7 |
| Assignment 4 | 15% | After Lesson 8 |
| Assignment 5 | 15% | After Lesson 11 |
| Final Paper | 25% | After Lesson 12 |
| Total | 100% | |
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Steen, S. (2024). Human Resource Management (6th ed.). McGraw Hill.
Other Resources
All other learning resources will be available online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the INBU 386 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent)on the examination.
Challenge for credit course registration form