Overview
There are broadly five major areas of study that fall within the discipline of industrial relations:
- work
- organizations
- management (particularly human resource management)
- labour and employment relations
- labour policy and institutions
The Industrial Relations and Human Resources (IRHR) Major and Specialist programs cover the last three areas of study. The majors in our Work and Organizations (WO) programs cover the first two areas of study within the discipline. The IRW and IR/HR undergraduate programs will overlap in their joint focus on work and on certain management-related topics and areas within organizations (e.g., people management).
IRHR Programs: The overarching goal of the IRHR undergraduate program is to offer an interdisciplinary learning opportunity in which to study the ‘world of work and employment' in a Canadian and global context from the perspectives of economics, history, law, human resource management, political science, psychology, and sociology. The program provides students with a theoretical background and knowledge of current developments in the field that will serve as a basis for careers areas such as a Human Resources Generalist, Recruitment Specialist, HR Consultant, Employment Equity Officer, Training and Development Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Labour, Union Representative and Labour Relations Specialist. The undergraduate program in IRHR is also a perfect platform from which to enter post-graduate programs in Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Law with a specialization in labour and employment, as well as policy and labour studies programs.
Work and Organization Programs: The programs adopt an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the changing nature of work as well as the operation of different types of organizations. Work and Organizations will provide the skills necessary to undertake the development and implementation of solutions to contemporary societal challenges through coordination of economic and social action in organizations and communities. IRW will meet the increasing demand among A&S students for access to courses on work and organizations that provide foundational knowledge in these areas while complementing and enriching their other chosen programs. Students will be able to navigate an evolving labour market upon graduation.
| Summary of Program Differences | Industrial Relations and Human Resources (IRHR) | Work and Organizations (WO) |
| Primary focus | The employment relationship and human resources management, often in larger, unionized settings. | The broad study of work, how it is coordinated in different types of organizations, and its impact on the economy and community. |
| Scope | Concentration on traditional HR and labour relations career path. | Interdisciplinary concentration, suitable for a wider variety of careers beyond standard HR roles. |
| Curriculum emphasis | Employment relations, collective bargaining, and HR functions. | Organizational management structure, coordination of work, and how different types of organizations function. |
| Interdisciplinary approach | Incorporates various disciplines, but with a clear focus on the professional field of industrial relations and HR. | Built on an interdisciplinary foundation from the ground up, drawing from social sciences to understand organizational behavior. |