2024/06/01

"Flipping HR Management: Bedtime Stories Every Manager Needs" – New Book Launch and Lecture by Prof. Shyh-Jer Chen

On June 1, 2024, the Center for Strategy and Human Capital Research and the Institute of Human Resource Management at NSYSU jointly hosted the book launch of Prof. Shyh-Jer Chen latest work, "Flipping HR Management: Bedtime Stories Every Manager Needs", at GIS NTU Convention Center. The event also featured a lecture titled "Management: Is It All Just Nonsense?!" The opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Pao-Lien Chen, Director of the Institute of Human Resource Management. Following this, Professor Prof. Shyh-Jer Chen shared the core concepts of his book, engaging with an audience of over 150 attendees in a lively discussion on disruptive human resource management and evidence-based management. Together, they spent a highly enriching weekend.

Theory and practice are complementary to each other

The book "Flipping HR Management: Bedtime Stories Every Manager Needs" primarily challenges textbook-style human resource management while reflecting on management practices. Prof. Shyh-Jer Chen, with over 20 years of teaching experience, has deeply felt that some content in HR management courses is influenced by cultural differences and that the principles outlined in textbooks often cannot be applied directly in the workplace. In the 33 short essays included in this book, he not only introduces relevant HR system cases through the historical context of Chinese culture but also organizes research findings that contradict traditional principles. These accessible and easy-to-read essays aim to help readers understand that the evidence base of human resource management is not unfounded but is instead rooted in what is called "evidence-based management."

Seize the opportunity to interact with experts

At the book launch event, Prof. Shyh-Jer Chen delivered a talk titled "Is Management Really Just Nonsense?!" He guided the audience through the book from an evidence-based perspective, sharing six case studies on various themes: (1) player selection, (2) experiments on the best boarding methods, (3) the power of money, (4) the influence of interview order on scores, (5) the paradox of choice, and (6) Leave if you can't get promoted.” Through these case studies, Professor Chen shared practical decision-making insights and experiences with the audience, while challenging preconceived notions about decision-making using foundations from psychology, economics, and philosophy. By highlighting the importance of evidence-based management through case discussions, he also provided attendees with a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

At the beginning of the lecture, Director Pao-Lien Chen stated that due to time constraints, today’s book launch event could only cover a limited amount of content. She shared that the Graduate Institute of Human Resource Management offers credit courses, and much to everyone’s anticipation, Professor Shyh-Jer Chen’s long-awaited course “Workplace Behavior” will finally be available in the second semester of 2024. Those interested are welcome to enroll. Additionally, the Center for Strategy and Human Capital Research provides corporate consulting services, helping businesses bring their challenges to the university and take solutions back to their industries. For more information about corporate consulting, please visit the Center’s website at https://shcr.nsysu.edu.tw/ or contact them by phone at (07) 525-2000 ext. 4546.