Topics for theses

Which topic should I choose?

For a thesis in the field of business psychology and human resources, you can either choose a topic yourself or apply for one of the suggested topics. 

Please contact Prof. Dr. Vera Hagemann, Dr. Michèle Rieth or Jonathan Meinecke directly to apply for a proposed topic. 

Current topics:

HR Analytics (People or Workforce Analytics) - Prof. Dr. Vera Hagemann:

• The perception of HR analytics by employees, with special attention to trust
• HR-Analytics - From its beginnings until today: Where does it come from and what is possible today?
• HR Analytics in the context of personnel selection
• HR-Analytics: Opportunities and Risks for Organizations and Employees
• Suitable starting points for HR analytics in the employee experience
• HR analytics and psychological models in retention management

Use of algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) for leadership tasks and in human resource management - Prof. Dr. Vera Hagemann

• Impact of the use of AI for managerial tasks and in decision-making processes on employees and the organisation
• Organisational measures and practices for the implementation of algorithms in organisations, especially in human resource management

Interaction between humans and artificial intelligence (AI) - Prof. Dr. Vera Hagemann

• Impact of human-AI interaction on psychological empowerment in the work context on an individual level
• Human-AI teamwork, especially with a focus on individual perceptions of teamwork
• HR Analytics: Use of AI in Human Resource Management, especially in Talent Development

Human-AI Interaction in the Workplace - Frau Dr. Michèle Rieth   (AI = Artificial Intelligence)

• Human Role Perception in Interaction with Technology in the Workplace
  • How do employees perceive their own roles when interacting with technological systems (e.g., AI) in the workplace? What roles can be identified, and what are their effects on human perception?
• Differences in Team Dynamics in Human-Only Teams vs. Human-AI Teams
  • To what extent do team dynamics (e.g., team flexibility, conflict management, social support, team identification, etc.) differ between human-only teams and human-AI teams?
• Deriving Key Factors in Work Design for Successful Human-AI Teaming
  • Which work design factors promote effective collaboration between humans and AI?
• Review of the Implementation and Feasibility of Human-AI Teaming in Practice
  • In which industries and sectors is Human-AI teaming already successfully implemented? What best practices and challenges can be identified?
• Human-Likeness of AI:
  • What characteristics give AI human-like traits? How does the human-likeness of AI influence user perception and acceptance? Does increased human-likeness lead to AI being perceived more as a genuine team member rather than just a tool?
• Artificial Intelligence as a Feedback Provider:
  • How do employees respond to feedback from AI compared to human feedback? Does the type of feedback provider (human vs. AI) influence the implementation of the feedback?

Future-oriented leadership - Jonathan Meinecke:

• Leading virtual teams
• Self-organized teams - leading without a manager?
• Leadership in times of crisis
• Leadership in Politics