Valedictory Lecture: Building people-oriented organizations

Within organizations, work and the way work is organized is rapidly changing. Driven by increasing globalization, the virtualization brought on by the internet and the need for constant innovation is increasing the pace of work and our interconnectedness. Within organizations, work and the way work is organized is rapidly changing. It requires a  new look at HR practices using a strong people-orientated approach. This inaugural address puts forward some key HR challenges at various interconnected levels. It argues for a holistic focus, broadening the HR-KPIs to include employee flourishing; an organizational culture build on the principles of servant leadership, and a renewed look at HR practices with a strong link to the context outside the organisation. This perspective emphasizes the creation of conditions for continuous growth and development of all people within organizations, underlining the importance of an enhanced sense of meaningfulness and social recognition.