Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mukkamala Kameshwar Rao | Social Network Analysis | Best Faculty Award
Associate Professor at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India
Dr. M. K. Rao is an accomplished academician and researcher in the field of Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, he has contributed significantly to teaching, research, and consultancy. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Kharagpur, Dr. Rao has held esteemed positions at IIT Roorkee, NIT Tiruchirappalli, and NIT Warangal. His extensive research in competency management, sustainable HRM, CSR, intellectual capital, and strategic HRM has established him as a thought leader in the domain. His expertise has been recognized through multiple academic and research assignments, including doctoral thesis evaluations, journal reviews, and curriculum development. Dr. Rao has also played a pivotal role in shaping HR education by introducing innovative courses and restructuring academic programs.
Profile
Education
Dr. Rao holds a Ph.D. from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, awarded in 2011. He pursued his MBA with a specialization in Human Resource Management from Nagpur University in 2000. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in HRM, organizational behavior, and strategic management. His interdisciplinary approach has enabled him to blend psychology, law, and business management into his teaching and research endeavors. His academic credentials, coupled with his extensive teaching experience, have provided a robust platform for mentoring students and guiding future HR professionals.
Experience
With a teaching career that commenced in 2001, Dr. Rao has amassed extensive experience across premier institutions. Beginning as an Ad-Hoc Lecturer at NIT Warangal, he later held Assistant Professor positions at NIT Tiruchirappalli and IIT Roorkee before his current tenure at IIT Kharagpur. His academic contributions include teaching diverse courses such as Applied Organizational Psychology, Management of Change, Industrial & Labor Law, Strategic HRM, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Additionally, Dr. Rao has served in various administrative capacities, including Faculty Advisor, Member of the Research Committee, Ph.D. Admission Coordinator, and Training & Placement In-Charge. His leadership roles have influenced institutional policies, curriculum development, and student mentoring.
Research Interest
Dr. Rao’s research interests encompass Competency Management, Sustainable HRM, Corporate Social Responsibility, Intellectual Capital, and Strategic HRM. His studies focus on how HR strategies influence organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and leadership development. He has supervised numerous Ph.D. scholars, with research topics spanning CSR impact on employee behavior, organizational justice, ethical leadership, and paradoxical leadership. His consultancy projects have explored the impact assessment of CSR activities for organizations like THDC, BHEL, GAIL, and HPCL. His interdisciplinary approach to research has significantly contributed to advancing HRM theories and practices in the Indian and global contexts.
Awards
Dr. Rao’s contributions to academia and research have been acknowledged through various awards and recognitions. He has been a key member of prestigious academic committees and has been actively involved in evaluating Ph.D. and master’s theses for reputed institutions. His contributions to HRM education and research have also been recognized by professional bodies, including invitations to serve as a reviewer for international journals like the International Journal of Emerging Markets (Emerald), Psychological Studies (Springer), and the International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy (Inderscience). His work has been instrumental in shaping contemporary HRM practices and policies.
Publications
Dr. Rao has published extensively in reputed national and international journals. Some of his notable publications include:
Prince, R., & Rao, M. K. (2021). “Efficacy beliefs and employee voice: the role of perceived influence and manager openness.” International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management. (ABDC ranking B).
Pasricha, P., & Rao, M.K. (2018). “The effect of ethical leadership on employee social innovation tendency in social enterprises: Role of perceived social capital.” Creativity and Innovation Management. (ABDC ranking B).
Vihari, N.S., & Rao, M.K. (2019). “Sustainable HRM as a contextual antecedent of organizational effectiveness–a moderated mediation model.” International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management.
Singh, B., & Rao, M.K. (2017). “To Gear Up Firm Performance in Banking Industry: The Role of Dynamic Capability.” Global Business Review. (ABDC ranking C).
Tamta, V., & Rao, M.K. (2017). “The effect of organizational justice on knowledge-sharing behavior in public sector banks in India: mediating role of work engagement.” International Journal of Business Excellence. (ABDC ranking C).
Singh, B., & Rao, M.K. (2016). “Effect of intellectual capital on dynamic capabilities.” Journal of Organizational Change Management. (ABDC ranking B).
Kushwaha, P., & Rao, M.K. (2017). “Integrating the Linkages between Learning Systems and Knowledge Process: An Exploration of Learning Outcomes.” Business Perspectives and Research.
Conclusion
Dr. M. K. Rao’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication to teaching, research, and institutional development. His contributions to HRM and organizational behavior have significantly influenced both academia and industry. His extensive experience, coupled with his research endeavors, has made a lasting impact on HR education and practices. As an educator, mentor, and researcher, he continues to shape the future of HRM through innovative teaching methodologies, impactful research, and strategic consultancy projects. His commitment to advancing knowledge in HRM ensures his continued relevance and influence in the field.