HRM Challenges in managing the resource sector workforce in remote locations: an exploratory analysis

The paper aims to conceptually map and examine specific HRM issues for managing non-resident workers in remote locations. Globalisation and technology allow accessing remote regions as production and employment sites, requiring extensive and skilled workforces. Issues are recruitment; retention; safety; accommodation; recreation; work life balance. Complex supply chains and networks involve elaborate webs of contractors, consultants and supporting
organisations on-site. The challenge is to understand factors determining HRM processes applied; whether site-, sector- and organisationally- specific; and theoretical rationale explaining remote region HRM. This proposed project adds to scant literature of HRM processes and remote workforce management theory, using comparative case studies and semi-structured interviews for rich data. The research challenge is to map factors determining HRM processes applied to remote region operations.