PhD Student

Email: Arpal@ipa.ie

Research Title and Summary:

Title: Front-Line Management in the Irish Public Service: Realities, Challenges, and the Role of Social Capital.

Summary: This study investigates the evolving role of Front-Line Managers (FLMs) within the Irish public sector as they adapt to devolved HRM responsibilities amidst fiscal austerity, staff reductions, and organisational restructuring. It highlights the critical role of social capital—networks, relationships, and informal interactions—in bridging knowledge gaps and enhancing collaboration, organisational learning, and team effectiveness. The research also explores challenges such as inequitable access to networks and overreliance on informal mechanisms, offering actionable recommendations for HRM training and support in the public sector.

Notable Milestones, Presentations, or Publications:

Collected data from four different Irish public sector organisations as a part of the Doctoral study

Presented at the IAM Conferences in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

In the process of drafting articles for academic journals.

Secured a full-time lectureship with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA).