Welcome to the Industrial Relations Center

Ambiguity and complexity are central features of today's organizations. They call for flexible organizational structures, work systems, and employees. If an old model of human resources and industrial relations was a static one, a new model could be described as dynamic. This model is incorporated in the teaching, research, and outreach activities of the University of Minnesota's Industrial Relations Center (IRC), a nationally recognized leader in human resources and industrial relations.

Our undergraduate, master's, and PhD students in the Department of Human Resources and Industrial Relations (HRIR) see the employment relationship through the lenses of multiple disciplines, such as psychology, economics, and business. They focus on individual, organizational, and broader environmental issues, including economic, psychological, business, technological, ethical, political, global, and cultural factors. They study and learn how to put theory into practice regarding staffing, training, development, compensation, benefits, organizational behavior, and labor relations. Their curriculum is based on a philosophy that emphasizes analytical skills, deep knowledge, teamwork, and systems thinking.

Research supports this educational mission, while providing fresh knowledge that enriches scholarly understanding and provides for a competitive advantage in human resources. The IRC's Human Resources Research Institute seeks to find out how HR practices and systems affect outcomes to shareholders and employees.

The IRC houses a variety of outreach units to provide services for our external constituents. Labor Education Service serves workers and the labor movement. These services draw on current research at the IRC to offer customers relevant, customizable workshops and training programs. The IRC Reference Room provides patrons with an online research database, reference materials, and data necessary to carry out varied tasks. Our Alumni Association provides services to alumni and the broader professional community.

I invite you to discover all we have to offer.

Connie Wanberg
Professor and Director