College of Education and Human Development

Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development

Bo Fang, PhD

  • Pronouns: he, him, his

  • Human Resource Development

Bo Fang

Areas of interest

  • Employee engagement
  • Employee well-being
  • Talent management and development
  • National/International HRD
Degrees
  • PhD, Human Resource Development, University of Minnesota, 2024
  • MEd, Human Resource Development, University of Minnesota, 2019
  • BS, Applied Psychology, Anqing Normal University, 2016
Biography

I am interested in finding the patterns behind the work behaviors, helping employees working with full engagement and meaningfulness, and improving individual and organizational development. More generally, my research focuses on exploring how HRD theories and interventions can contribute to the development of individuals, organizations, and society beyond different cultural backgrounds.

Prior to coming to the HRD program, I was a training specialist in Ping An insurance where I worked on sales training and development.

Dissertation

Exploring the Impact of Cultural Values on Employee Engagement in Chinese Organizations: The Moderating Role of HRD Culture

Advisor: Sehoon Kim

Abstract: Engagement is about putting our real selves into our work, not simply working hard. People have a desire to engage, to express who they are, and who they wish to be in the workplace. Understanding whether people are engaged or disengaged is crucial not just for human resource development (HRD) professionals but for anyone concerned with fostering a better world in which people can find meaningfulness and belongingness at work. This study explores the impact of Chinese cultural work ethics and values on employee engagement, along with the role of HRD in these dynamics.

Courses Taught

  • OLPD 3401 Teaching Marketing Promotion
  • OLPD 3621 Intro to Training and Development
  • MBA 6121 Data Analysis and Statistics for Managers (Teaching Assistant)
Publications

Fang, B. (2023). Bridging the gap between research and practice of engagement: Toward a collaborative human resource development. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 25(2), 95–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/15234223231156627.

Feng, Y., & Fang, B. (2023). Women leaders in the education sector. In J. Ke & G. N. McLean (Eds.), Chinese Women in Leadership (pp. 139–164). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68819-0_6.

Fang, B., Zhang, P., & Kim, S. (2023). National human resource development in China: Government–industry–university relations and roles. European Journal of Training and Development, 47(1/2), 183–202. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-07-2021-0110.

Presentations

Fang, B., Zhang, P., & Kim, S. (2020). National Human Resource Development in China: Cases of University-Industry-Government Relations and Roles. Presentation at the 2020 AHD International Research Conference in the Americas. Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

Fang, B., & Kim, S. (2019). Work Engagement and Employee Well-being in Chinese Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Presentation at the 2019 AHRD International Research Conference in the Americas. Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A.