How is human resources using AI? We want to know!

Artificial intelligence continues to influence how work is designed, how learning occurs, and how decisions are made in organizations. Within Human Resources, these changes raise important questions about how A.I. tools are being adopted, evaluated, and integrated into both professional practice and graduate education. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven systems for recruitment, performance management, learning and development, and employee engagement, HR professionals are uniquely positioned to shape how A.I. is used responsibly, ethically, and effectively.

Understanding these shifts requires more than technical knowledge alone. It also calls for reflection on human judgment, organizational values, and the lived experiences of those using A.I. tools in real-world contexts. Creating space for dialogue allows educators, students, and practitioners to better understand both the promise and the complexity of A.I. in HR-related work.

To examine these questions more closely, the Villanova University Human Resource Development (HRD) Program is conducting a research-based focus group study on the use of A.I. in HR contexts. The study brings together HR professionals, graduate students, and alumni to share perspectives on how A.I. is currently being used, learned about, and understood across academic and workplace settings. By engaging multiple stakeholder perspectives, the study aims to capture a nuanced view of how A.I. is shaping HR practice today and how it may influence the future of the field.

About The Study

The study, titled “Human Resources Professionals’ Use of A.I.”, is being led by Dr. Heather Cluley Bar-Or and other HRD Faculty. Its purpose is to better understand how HR professionals and HRD students engage with A.I. tools in their work and learning, including perceived opportunities, limitations, and emerging questions. In particular, the study seeks to explore how individuals make sense of A.I.’s role in decision-making, skill development, and organizational effectiveness. Insights from this research will contribute to a broader understanding of how A.I. is shaping HR practice, graduate education, and professional development.

Participants may have varying levels of experience with A.I.; prior expertise is not required. During the focus group, participants will be invited to discuss their experiences, perceptions, and questions related to A.I. in HR-related academic and workplace contexts. Participation is voluntary, and individuals may decline to answer any question or withdraw at any time.

Registration and Additional Information

The in-person focus group session will take place on March 13, 2026 at The Inn at Villanova with breakfast provided from 9-10am and focus group discussions from 10-11:30am! If you are interested in participating, use this link to register. We will be in touch with confirmation and details!

Right now, we are just seeking in-person participants. However, if you are not local to Villanova and would be interested in attending a virtual focus group in the future, let us know of your interest here.