Assoc Prof Dr. Asha Binu Raj | Human Resource Management | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune, India

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Asha Binu Raj’s academic journey reflects her unwavering commitment to the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) and Organizational Behaviour (OB). Her foundational years were marked by a deep interest in human psychology, leadership dynamics, and organizational ethics. This early passion led her to pursue advanced education and training in management, culminating in a distinguished career spanning over 22 years. She has since evolved into a dynamic academician and researcher, equipping herself with a strong theoretical and conceptual grounding in HRM and OB, while simultaneously nurturing a keen eye for practical applications and transformative teaching strategies.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune, Dr. Raj has previously held influential positions in both academia and the corporate world. Her professional experience encompasses:

• 13+ years in academia, teaching in Ph.D., MBA, and BBA programs with a focus on HRM, OB, leadership, and employer branding.

• 8+ years of corporate experience in talent acquisition and consulting, where she honed her expertise in organizational dynamics and recruitment strategies.

Her work in designing and conducting Management Development Programs (MDPs) and Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) for organizations such as DRDO, Aurobindo Pharma, and major public and private banks showcases her blend of academic rigor and industry relevance. Through innovative course designs and high-impact training modules, she consistently bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Raj’s research contributions span an array of contemporary HR domains, including:

• Employer Branding and Internal Branding

• Talent Acquisition and Employee Engagement

• Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB)

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• Corporate Governance and Employee Wellbeing

She has presented papers at numerous national and international conferences, authored articles in ABDC (A, B, and C category) journals, and published in reputed indexing platforms such as SCOPUS, Web of Science, EBSCO, ProQuest, and CiteWeb. Her research is not only academically rich but also focused on real-world challenges facing modern organizations.

Notably, she developed elective courses like “Employer Branding” (IBS, 2022) and “Critical Thinking and Decision Making” (NIBM, 2024). Furthermore, she is pursuing a patent titled “AI-Assisted Leadership in Organizations: Transforming the Future of Management”, demonstrating her forward-thinking approach.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Raj’s career has been punctuated with prestigious accolades, reinforcing her standing as a thought leader in HR:

1. Best Paper Award at SIMS 10th Annual International Research Conference, 2019.

2. Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Business Competitiveness, 2015.

3. Chairperson and Reviewer for international conferences and journals, including Emerald, Inderscience, and Sage.

4. External Ph.D. Examiner for Bharatiyar University and stakeholder panel member at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC).

These achievements underscore her scholarly excellence, international reputation, and consistent contributions to the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Raj has left a meaningful impact through her trainings and consultancy projects across sectors, including banking, defense, pharmaceuticals, and government bodies. She has trained professionals from organizations in India and abroad (e.g., EXIM Bank, Bank of Ceylon, Bangladesh Bank, Canara Bank, etc.), instilling leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

Her role in training municipal and panchayat officials in Kerala reflects her dedication to nation-building and grassroots governance . Additionally, her webinars during the COVID-19 crisis helped professionals navigate disruption and change management —showcasing her adaptability and thought leadership during critical times.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With a rare combination of academic depth, corporate insight, and social sensitivity, Dr. Asha Binu Raj continues to inspire peers and students alike. Her legacy lies in:

• Shaping future HR professionals with critical thinking and ethical values.

• Promoting research-based pedagogy and evidence-driven decision-making.

• Encouraging employer branding and wellbeing as strategic priorities in today’s organizations.

Looking ahead, her ongoing work in AI-led leadership transformation, competency mapping, and consultancy projects position her as a pioneer in digital-era HRM . With her innovative mindset, empathetic teaching style, and unwavering dedication, she is set to further influence academic thought and industrial practice for years to come.