Student Research Assistant - Colonial Legacies in Contemporary Human Resource Management

Project Name:

Colonial Legacies in Contemporary Human Resource Management: Examining Leadership, Merit, and Performance in Canadian Organizations

Project Supervisor:

Dr. Susan Thomas

Desired Start Date: January 4, 2027

Position End Date: March 31, 2027

Salary range: $18.42 - $23.51

Bargaining Unit: BCGEU Support

Classification: Research Assistant

Type of appointment: Non-regular

Closing date: November 1, 2026

Project Description

This project examines the extent to which contemporary Human Resource Management (HRM) practices in Canada reflect or challenge colonial assumptions, with particular attention to leadership, recruitment and selection, and performance management. Using a structured review of peer-reviewed scholarly literature, the research will identify recurring themes, critiques, gaps, and emerging decolonizing or culturally responsive approaches. The project will synthesize the literature and contribute toward the development of a conceptual framework for understanding colonial legacies in contemporary HRM. The research is literature-based and does not involve interviews or primary data collection.

This position is intended to provide a meaningful student research experience. The successful candidate will receive ongoing guidance and mentorship and will gain practical experience in academic literature searching, article screening, data extraction, thematic analysis, research synthesis, and scholarly communication. The research is intended to support future academic conference presentation materials and may contribute to subsequent publication activities depending on the quality and depth of the findings.

Research Assistant Duties

With training and guidance from the faculty supervisor, the RA will:

• Develop and document literature search strategies, including keywords and search terms.
• Conduct structured searches of academic databases and maintain database search logs.
• Search for, organize, and manage relevant peer-reviewed scholarly literature.
• Screen articles using established inclusion/exclusion criteria and maintain article screening records.
• Develop and maintain an annotated bibliography of relevant literature.
• Use data extraction templates to systematically record key information from selected studies.
• Organize and code extracted information and prepare thematic analysis summaries across leadership, recruitment and selection, and performance management.
• Contribute to a literature synthesis report identifying major findings, patterns, research gaps, and emerging perspectives.
• Assist with conference presentation materials, including research summaries, tables, figures, slides, or poster materials.
• Maintain accurate research records, citations, and the integrity and confidentiality of research materials.

Location

The position is based at the Kelowna campus. The research work is primarily literature- and computer-based, so work is completed remotely by agreement with the supervisor. The RA should be available for regular meetings with the supervisor, which may be held in person at the Kelowna campus or online. No project-related travel is anticipated. Students from other campuses may apply if they can meet the project requirements and participate in scheduled meetings.

Hours / Schedule of Work

The project is funded for 100 hours of RA research work. The project will be conducted primarily during the Winter term. In the January-March research period, the RA should expect to work approximately 7-9 hours per week, with some flexibility depending on project needs, academic commitments, and agreed milestones. Hours will be arranged in consultation with the supervisor and submitted through bi-weekly timesheets. Required research training for RAs is funded through the SRA grant organized by Applied Research Office. Training and onboarding may be completed during the fall term before the project begins in January.

RA Candidate Attribute/Experience Description

Required:

• Must be currently enrolled as a student at Okanagan College (as per funding terms).
• Strong academic reading and comprehension skills and the ability to organize and summarize information.
• Strong attention to detail, written communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently, meet agreed timelines, receive feedback, and work collaboratively with the faculty supervisor.
• Willingness to learn academic databases, literature review methods, and research tools.
• Ability to engage respectfully and thoughtfully with research concerning Indigenous peoples, colonialism, reconciliation, and decolonization.

Preferred, but not required:

• Enrolment in Business Administration or a related program, particularly students in the later stages of their program.
• Coursework or interest in Human Resource Management, Organizational Behaviour, research, workplace equity, Indigenous perspectives, or reconciliation.
• Previous research experience or experience working with scholarly journal articles is an asset, but is not required. Training and mentorship will be provided.