Dear HR divisions members,
A new call for papers is now available in the journal Human Relations on "Rethinking humanness: Human relations in the age of AI and technological transformation". In this special issue, we invite scholars to critically engage with the transformations brought about by the 'Age of AI' through the broad, multidisciplinary theoretical lens of humanness.
In this special issue, we invite papers that examine the integration of emerging technologies in organizational and work settings to advance theory on humanness and its meaning in the contemporary, technologically transformed workplace. We encourage submissions that investigate both the positive and negative implications of new technologies for humanness, including their impact on ethical behavior, compassion, and other human qualities essential to dignity, such as autonomy, freedom, and related values. We also seek studies on how emerging technologies facilitate, incentivize, or amplify some of the less desirable aspects of humanness in organizational and work contexts. Furthermore, we welcome research that deepens our understanding of how organizations, amid technological change, can create work environments
that may support employee flourishing (eudaimonia) and preserve humanness, authenticity, and individuality in the workplace.
By placing analytical attention on humanness in the context of the contemporary technologized workplace, this special issue aims to provide fresh insights and directions for research in sociology, psychology, and organizational studies. The goal is to inspire further scholarly engagement towards exploring the role of humanness in and around organizations amidst technological transformation. The objective of this special issue is to advance and critically engage with diverse theoretical perspectives on humanness at the intersection of human relations and emerging technologies
that are shaping the conditions under which human beings interact and work in organizations. In doing so, we aim to foster a scholarly dialogue that not only integrates existing frameworks but also generates fresh perspectives and new insights across a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the special issue aims to advance our understanding of humanness and the interplay between humans and emerging technologies across various levels in business and public organizations.
The journal's online submission system, https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/hr, will be open from May 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026.
Questions should be directed to the corresponding guest editor of the special issue, Violetta Khoreva, at violetta.khoreva@hanken.fi.
Further information about the call is available here:
https://journals.sagepub.com/pb-assets/cmscontent/hum/CfP-SI-Humanness-HumRels-1743592165.pdf
Best regards,
Violetta Khoreva (On behalf of the guest editorial team: Frank den Hond, Katja Einola, Ashish Malik, Johanna Moisander)
Violetta Khoreva
Research Fellow
Management and Organisation
Hanken School of Economics
Docent of Business and Management (Adjunct Professor)
University of Helsinki
Phone: +358403521551
