WEO PGR Research Seminar: From rigour to relevance - achieving social impact through organisational research
Event Date: 28 April 2026
Speaker: Associate Professor Ashokkumar Manoharan, College of Business, Creative Arts, Law and SocialSciences, Flinders University, South Australia
Time: 13:00 - 14:00 GMT
Location: SW204, Stenhouse Wing, Strathclyde Business School
Abstract:
Organisational research is fundamentally concerned with advancing knowledge; it also has significant potential to generate meaningful social impact. In this interactive session, A/Professor Manoharan will share his experiences in translating research into tangible societal outcomes. The presentation will also equip PhD students with practical tools and approaches to embed social impact within their research. By doing so, the session aims to support the development of work that creates sustained, long-term impact across the sectors and fields in which they operate. It will further guide participants in shaping their future research programs to systematically incorporate and strengthen pathways to social impact.
Biography:
Associate Professor Manoharan is a social scientist at the College of Business, Creative Arts, Law and Social Sciences, Flinders University, and a member of the Centre for Social Impact as well as a research affiliate with the Flinders Factory of the Future. His research spans two key areas: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Industry Talent Branding. His DEI work advances inclusive practices in hospitality and service industries, with a strong focus on improving employment outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities and culturally diverse workers. Complementing this, his research on industry talent branding addresses critical workforce shortages by developing strategies to attract, engage, and retain talent in industries facing persistent skill gaps. Internationally recognised for his impactful, industry-engaged scholarship, he was honoured as South Australia’s 2025 Young Tall Poppy, a testament to his outstanding research leadership and real-world impact.
Published: 21 April 2026
