On 16 July, Aston Business School held the fourth and final event in its successful ‘Challenging Times’ series, which saw over 60 entrepreneurs and representatives from Midlands businesses (including alumni) come together to discuss the future of business in the region.

The event, Enabling Staff in Response to Challenging Times, was led by Dr Michael Butler, Senior Lecturer in Management in the Work and Organisational Psychology Group, Aston Business School, who highlighted the importance of effective communication during difficult times and the need for strategically linked Human Resource Management.

Dr Butler suggested that during a recession, people can bend and flow, according to the changing circumstances, and Human Resource Management (HRM) practices can be used to stimulate positive attitudes. He also argued that during a recession organisations have an opportunity for transformation through innovation.

Delegates also heard from David Crundwell, formerly of Vauxhall who talked about his experience involved in managing the closure of the Luton Car Plant, which led to collaboration with Aston Business School and Cranfield and the development of the Model of Facility Closure Management. 

including links to podcasts, powerpoint presentation, and shared good practice notes

Read an interview with Dr Michael Butler by the Birmingham Post (speaking ahead of the event)

Enabling Staff in Response to Challenging Times was a participative event which asked delegates to think about their own experiences and share examples of how they’ve supported and developed staff and colleagues during difficult times, and how effective these interventions were.

Sharing Good Practice

Following on from this event, we would like to identify and share even more good practice.

Using our new discussion forum we would like alumni to share examples of good practice, particularly around motivating colleagues, teams and organisations during challenging times.

Join the discussion (you must be logged in to be able to view this page)