Prof.J.Robinson
BBA(Hons), M.Com(Kln)Ph.D(New Zeland)
Professor in Human Resource Management
0772704923
robinsonj@univ.jfn.ac.lk
Research Interests:
Academic Profile
Teaching
Admin Roles
Research & Publications
Awards & Grands
Activities
Academic Profile
Prof.J.Robinson
I, Robinson James, earned my PhD in Management from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. My research interests encompass career management, expatriation, repatriation, organizational politics, attitudes, organizational socialization and HRM practices. I have disseminated my research findings through publications in esteemed journals such as the Journal of Career Development, Management Research Review, South Asian Journal of Human Resource Management, South Asian Journal of Business Studies, International Journal of Management Practice, Journal of Applied Economics & Business Research and International Journal of Business Excellence. Additionally, I have contributed as a resource person in numerous research seminars and workshops hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, state and private universities, and other institutions. Over the years, I have served as a reviewer for reputable journals including the Journal of Career Management, Journal of Cross- cultural Management, International Journal of Human Resource Management, South Asian Journal of Business Studies, and Journal of Management Development. Furthermore, I have fulfilled roles as an examiner for PhD theses both locally and internationally. I am dedicated to making substantial contributions to the advancement and success of the institution where I am presently employed, as well as to the fields of HRM and Organizational Behavior in which I am actively involved.
Degrees
- 2015 Auckland University, New Zealand, PhD
- 2006 University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, M.Com
- 1999 University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Bachelor of Business Administration Hons in Human Resource Management
Resource Person
- Served as a workshop facilitator at the 56th meeting of the Sri Lanka Forum of University Economists in 2026, delivering a session on Structural Equation Modeling using SmartPLS for agroeconomic research. The workshop focused on equipping participants with practical skills in applying advanced quantitative techniques for empirical analysis in the field of agricultural economics.
- Resource person at the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Services, Northern Province, for the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP) on Self-Management for staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northern Province in 2025.
- Served as a resource person at the Postgraduate Institute of Management University of Sri Jayewardenepura, conducting sessions on Research Data analysis for PhD students under the course DPB 5590 – Thesis Components of the PhD Degree Program in 2022. The sessions focused on strengthening students’ competencies in research data analysis for doctoral-level thesis work
- Served as a Resource Person for the PPD program, delivering over 10 sessions on Emotional Intelligence to Postgraduate and Master’s students at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Jaffna, since 2023.
- Served as a Resource Person at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, contributing to the Personal and Professional Development Program with a focus on Emotional Intelligence from 2022 to 2025. Through these sessions, I supported medical undergraduates in cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Resource person at the Staff Development Centre (SDC), University of Jaffna.
- Served as a Resource Person for the Induction Program for newly appointed academics at the University of Jaffna, delivering sessions on Soft Skills, Reflective Practice, and Emotional Intelligence. This program was organized by the Staff Development Centre (SDC), and I contributed across seven cycles (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023), supporting the professional growth and holistic development of new faculty members.
- Served as a Resource Person for a one-day workshop on Creating a Happy Working Environment conducted for the non-academic staff of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Jaffna in 2020. The workshop, organized by the Staff Development Centre (SDC), focused on fostering positivity, teamwork, and workplace well-being.
- Resource person for two days workshop on Structural equation modelling using SmartPLSfor academic staff organized by Staff development center, the University of Jaffna in 2017 & 2019.
- Served as a Resource Person for the Induction Program for newly appointed academics at the University of Jaffna, conducting a specialized session on Managing the Workplace. This program, organized by the Staff Development Centre (SDC) in 2010
- Resource person for the Induction Program for newly appointed academics at the University of Jaffna on Understanding the workplace reality and conflict management organized by the Staff Development Centre (SDC) in 2010.
- Resource person for the Induction Program for newly appointed academics at the University of Jaffna on Stress management organized by the Staff Development Centre (SDC) in 2010
- Resource person for the Induction Program for newly appointed academics at the University of Jaffna on Managing anger in the workplace organized by the Staff Development Centre (SDC) in 2010
- Resource person for the Induction Program for newly appointed academics at the University of Jaffna on Conflict and Emotional Intelligence organized by the SDC in 2009
- Resource Person at NCAS- Ministry of higher Education
- Served as a resource person for a series of two-day workshops on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (with SmartPLS) for quantitative research, organized by the National Centre for Advanced Studies (NCAS) under the Ministry of Higher Education Sri Lanka. A total of six workshops were conducted at NCAS between 2018 and 2020, focusing on enhancing researchers’ skills in advanced quantitative data analysis.
- Served as a resource person for a two-day seminar on Quantitative research methods for the PhD program of Quest International University Perak, held on 12th and 13th August 2019 at the VLT Campus in Sri Lanka. The seminar focused on supporting doctoral candidates in advancing their research knowledge and skills.
- Served as a resource person for a training program on Stress Management for officers of the Department of Revenue of the Northern Provincial Council in 2018. The program focused on enhancing officers’ ability to manage workplace stress and improve overall well-being and performance.
- Resource person for the training program on Negotiation Skills for the selected public sector officers organized by The Management Development Training Unit, Northern, Province in 2017, December
- Served as a resource person at a workshop on the Teacher Capacity Development Program, conducted by Mahajana College Jaffna in 2017. The session, titled “Self-Evaluation,” focused on enhancing teachers’ ability to assess and improve their own professional practices.
- Served as a resource person for a workshop on How to Do Data Analysis Using SPSS for the academic staff of the University of Jaffna, organized by the Jaffna Science Association (JSA), Section D. The workshop was conducted over the period from March to April 2011 and focused on developing practical skills in statistical data analysis using SPSS.
- Served as a resource person at a seminar on Capacity Building for Fisheries Cooperative Societies, conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with PDP Jaffna, in 2011. The session focused on strengthening the management and operational capacity of fisheries cooperative societies.
- Served as a resource person for the Conflict Management workshop for administrators of the Faculty of Medicine, organized by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine University of Jaffna under the IRQUE-QEF Study Program in August 2008. The workshop focused on strengthening administrators’ skills in managing workplace conflict effectively.
- Served as a Resource Person for the Staff Development Program organized by the Staff Development Centre (SDC) in 2009, delivering a session on Conflict Management and Emotional Intelligence for non-academic staff. The program aimed to enhance interpersonal effectiveness.
- Served as a resource person at a workshop for administrators conducted by the Department of Biochemistry in 2008. The session, titled Conflict and Emotional Intelligence, focused on developing administrators’ skills in managing conflict and enhancing emotional intelligence in the workplace.
Teaching
TEACHING AND RESEARCH
I was involved in teaching undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students in Sri Lankan universities. Also, I have been working as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) for three years at the Business School of the University of Auckland, New Zealand. I have supervised two PhD candidates and more than Twenty master’s and postgraduate research projects. I have also served as an examiner for five PhD theses and over 30 master’s and postgraduate-level dissertations at both national and international levels. I have actively served as a panel member for over thirty proposal reviews and research progress evaluations conducted by FGS.
Undergraduate Teaching
- BBAH 1113: Principles of Management
- BBAH 2253: Organizational behaviour (BBA degree program)
- BBAH 3234(H): Occupational psychology (BBA degree program)
- BBAH 4162: Computer application in HRM (BBA degree program)
- BAD 203: Cos Accounting
- BAD 302: Management Science Application
- BAD 305: Marketing Management
- BAD 404(H) 3213: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- BAD 301: Management Accounting
- BAD 403: Management Accounting and Control System (partially)
Inter-faculty Teaching
- ALEMA 12021: Management and Entrepreneurial Skill Degree: Bachelor of Arts
- EST207NT2: Personality and communication Skill Development Degree: BSC
- MLSEC 2112: Ethics and communication Degree: BSc in Applied Science
- MES3101GAO: Management and Entrepreneurial Skill Degree: BSc Faculty: Science
- AHRM 22026: Organizational Behaviour Degree: Bachelor of Arts Faculty: Arts
- MC9010: Management in practice with case studies Degree: BSc. in Engineering Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Postgraduate Teaching
- PGDM (P) 104: Basic Mathematics and Statistics
- PDM 1132: Organizational Dynamics (partly) – (MBA program)
- PGDM 1131: Contemporary Management (Partly) – (MBA program)
- MBA 2121: Computer applications for Research (Partly) – (MBA program)
Overseas teaching experience
- Working as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) for three years at the Business School of University of Auckland, New Zealand. Working there in a team-based learning environment.
Institutional Development/ National Development
- Pannel member of Program Review for three Government Universities (Ruhunu University, Rajarata University, South Eastern University) in 2019 and one private University (Saegis Campus) in 2020.
- Member of IQAC- Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce.
- Faculty representative to the senate from 2007 to 2007 and 2016 to 2019
- Committee member- Developing proposal to introduce a Diploma in Human Resource Management and Diploma in management
- Contributed to the curriculum development for the Bachelor of Business Administration (Special in HRM) and Bachelor of Business Management degree (online) program
- Team member in writing Program Review Report for Bachelor of Business Administration Honors Degree Program 2018.
- Contributed to the process of planning and development of E-lab established in the faculty of Management Studies and Commerce in 2014.
- Developed the Faculty Calendar of Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce.
- Served as a Person In-charge in developing a proposal for Research and Teaching Excellence Awards for the Staff member of Faculty of Management studies and commerce.
- Developed faculty calendar in 2016
- Member of University Research Committee- 2016 to 2019
- Student counsellor from 2006, 2007 and 2020
- Served as member of the selection boards for BBM online degree program in Colombo and Vavuniya selection center on October 2009.
- Member of Sports Advisory Board from 7th February 2006 to 4th February 2009.
- Member of the advisory board of Bachelor of Business Management (on-line) from 2009 to 20012.
- Senior treasure of Management student Union 2011/2012.
- Life member of Jaffna Science Association from 2000.
- Served as a co-coordinator for “The survey on the outreach of microfinance Services in Sri Lanka” from 5th February to 31st March 2007 conducted by Institute of policy studies of Sri Lanka.
- Worked as one of the team member of the Census survey on Microfinance Institutions conducted by TNS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd in 2007.
- Developed a business plan for building an Ice Plant on behalf of the consortium of Vadamaradchy East Fisherman Corporative Society
- Developed a business plan to install an Ice plant in Kilinochchi District for GIZ.
- Served a member of a number of inquiry committee forms by the senate of University of Jaffna, and conducted several lengthy inquiries and prepared a report on the particular issue and submitted to the senate
- Served as a disciplinary committee member of the University of Jaffna
- Served as a member of the Self Evaluation Report (SER) writing team of the FMSC. I contributed significantly to develop the SER for Bachelor of Business Administration horns in Marketing, Human Resource Management, Accounting, and Financial Management degree program.
- Developed the faculty calendar to the FMSC and presented the final version at the special council meeting of the University of Jaffna
- Served as a member of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of FMSC for three years performed my duties well.
- Served as a board member of the Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) external Degree Program
- Served as a member of the Sports Advisory Board of the University of Jaffna for three years since 2006
- Served as a member of The Gridlines preparation committee for the Indoor Stadium Utilization of the University of Jaffna and contributed significantly to develop the said guideline.
- Served as a member of the career guidance cell of the faculty of management studies and commerce for three years from November 2018.
- Served as a member of selection committee for promotion of academic staff
- Interview panel member for BBM and MBA degree program
- Faculty representative to the senate for three years from November, 2015
Admin Roles
- 2023-2025 Director- Center for Open and Distance Learning of UoJ
- 2022 – to date Professor in HRM
- 2023-2025 Senior Research Fellow- (NCAS- MoHE)
- 2022-2023 Head Department of HRM
- 2021- 2023 Coordinator-Bachelor of Business Management
- 2019 – 2021 Chairman, Sports Advisory Board, University of Jaffna
- 2022- 2025 Editorial Board Member- Keleniya Journal of HRM
- 2019- 2021 Hostel Warden (Part time)
- 2016 -2019 Chief Editor- Journal of Business Studies
- 2012- 2015 University of Auckland, New Zealand –Graduate Teaching Assistant & Research Assistant
- 2000-2012 University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka – Lecturer, Senior lecturer
- 1999 – 2000 KG Industry – Marketing Executive
- Students Counsellor 2010, 2011 and 2020
Research & Publications
Recent Publications in Refereed Journal
Over the past ten years, I have maintained a consistent and productive research profile, resulting in the publication of 21 journal articles. Notably, more than 50% of these articles have been published in journals indexed in leading global databases such as Web of Science (SSCI/ESCI) and Scopus. Furthermore, these journals are ranked in prominent journal evaluation systems, including the Web of Science Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and SCImago Journal Rank (SJR). I am the principal author of 90% (19) of the articles and the sole author of 70% (15) of the total articles. The body of work highlights my balanced research portfolio that contributes both to global academic discourse and to the development of locally relevant knowledge, while consistently meeting recognized standards of quality and impact in academic publishing.
Journal Publications
- James, R. (2021). Repatriates’ work engagement: Proactive behavior, perceived support, and adjustment. Journal of Career Development, 48(5), 686-700.
- James, R. (2023). Fit perception and engagement: The mediating role of work meaningfulness. VISION: The Journal of Business Perspectives, 27(4), 474-484.
- James, R. & Azungah, T. (2020). Repatriation of academics: organisational support, adjustment and intention to leave, Management Research Review, 43 (2) pp. 150-165.
- James, R. (2021), I’ll manage myself: the moderator effect of positive framing on the relationship between organisational politics and engagement”, South Asian Journal of Business Studies, 11(4), pp.418-432
- Kengatharan, N. & James, R. (2023). Returning home: Proactive behaviours and adjustment. International Journal of Business Excellence, Vol. ahead-of- print No. ahead-of-print. (accepted for publication)
- James, R (2021), Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction among Repatriates: Repatriation Adjustment as a Mediator, International. Journal of Management Practice,14(6), pp.701-715.
- James, R. (2022). The role of newcomers’ proactive behaviours on well-being, engagement and turnover intention. International Journal of Business Excellence, 27(3), 428-445.
- James, R., (2020). Newcomers’ organizational socialization: the role of co-worker support, organizational support and proactive behaviour, Journal of Business Studies, 7 (1), pp. 66-88
- James R., & Kengatharan, N. (2020). Exploring the effect of Covid-19 on Small and Medium Enterprises: Early Evidence from Sri Lanka. Journal of Applied Economics & Business Research, 10 (2), 115-125
- James, R., & Azungah, T. (2021). Repatriation of academics: re-socialisation and adjustment. International Journal of Business Excellence, 25(2), 178-193.
- James, R., 2020. Making Things Happen: Self- Leadership and Newcomers Socialisation. Kelaniya Journal of Human Resource Management, 15(1), pp.1–15. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/kjhrm.v15i1.60
- Robinson,J. (2018). Repatriation of Academics: A Study on Sri Lankan University Lecturers. South Asian Journal of Human Resources Management, 5(1), 96-116
- James, R. (2022). The role of newcomers’ proactive behaviours on well-being, engagement and turnover intention. International Journal of Business Excellence, 27(3), 428-445.
- James, R, Jasintha, N. (2024). Supervisor’s styles of humour and employee’s Satisfaction: Is gender a matter of influence? Journal of Business Studies, 11(1), pp. 25-43
- James, R., (2020). Newcomers’ organizational socialization: the role of co-worker support, organizational support and proactive behaviour. Journal of Business Studies, 7 (1), pp. 66-88
- Robinson, (2020). The Role of Positive Framing in the Relationship between Career Commitment and Career Success. Peradeniya Management Review , 2(1), 1-26
- James, R. (2019). Politics perception and satisfaction among school teachers: the moderating role of emotional intelligence, Journal of Business Studies, 6 (2), 38-60.
- Robinson, (2020). Gender and Job Satisfaction: A Study among School Teachers in North and East Part of Sri Lanka. MENTOR The Journal of Business Studies, 4(2), 25-40
- James, R. (2020). Antecedents, coping strategies and consequences of repatriation adjustment: What do we know?, Journal of Management Matters, 7 (2), pp.52-71.
- Kowsikka, F.M.J.J. and James, R. (2019). Newcomers’ socialisation: proactive behaviors, satisfaction and social integration. Journal of Business Studies, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp.89–107.
- Robinson, J. (2016). Repatriation Adjustment of Academics: Is Co-worker Support A Matter of
Influence. Journal of Business Studies, 3(2), 110–127. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jbs.v3i2.8
Published Conference Full Papers
- Kowsikka, F.M.J.J. and James, R. (2019). Newcomers’ socialisation: the proactive behaviors, satisfaction and social integration. Proceeding of the fifth International Conference on contemporary Management. Faculty of management Studies and commerce, University of Jaffna 29th & 30th July 2019.
- Robinson. J (2017). Impact of emotional intelligence on repatriation adjustment. Proceeding of the Forth international research conference on contemporary Management. Faculty of management Studies and commerce, University of Jaffna.
- Robinson. J (2016). Repatriation Adjustment: A study on Sri Lankan Academic Repatriates. Proceedings of the third International HR Conference”. Department of Human Resource Management, University of Sri Jeyawadnapura.
- Robinson. J (2016). Role of emotional intelligence on the relationship between perceived organizational commitment politics job satisfaction and work engagement: empirical evidence from public and private sector employees”. Proceedings of the research conference on Business studies”. Vavuniya Campus, University of Jaffna.
- Robinson, J. (2015). Academic repatriates: Repatriation adjustment and intention to leave. Annual conference of the Australia New Zealand International Business Academy (ANZIBA), University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Robinson, J. (2014). Repatriation adjustment: Proactive behaviour perceived organizational support and knowledge sharing. Proceedings of the JUICE, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- Robinson, J. (2010). Role of Emotional Intelligence on the relationship between organizational politics perception and commitments: Affective, Continuance and Normative. Proceedings of the International Conference on Management Practices for sustainable growth (ICMPSG), Annamalai University, India
- Robinson, J. (2010). Job satisfaction commitment relationship: Is gender a matter of influence. Proceedings of the Annual research conference, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- Robinson, J. (2009). The effect of emotional intelligence towards the organisational politics satisfaction relationship. Proceedings of the International Research Conference on Management and Finance, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Non-refereed Journal Articles
- Robinson, J. (2005). Organizational Culture; a tool for Competitive Advantage. Management Focus. Management Students’ Union, Dept. of Management Studies, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
- Robinson, J. (2000). Creative Process. Management Focus. Management Students’ Union, Dept. of Management Studies, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Presentations
- James, R. (2021). Self-leadership and Socialization: Proactive behavior as a Mediator, Proceeding of the International Research Conference on Contemporary Management- April, 2021
- James, R. (2021). Organizational Politics and Employee Stress: Meaningful Work as a mediator, Proceeding of the International Research Conference on Contemporary Management- April, 2021
- James, R. (2020). Humour at workplace: Leasers’ humour and employees trust I the leader, Proceedings of the research conference on Business Studies, 26 October 2020.
- James, R. (2020). The role of abusive supervision on the relationship between person-job fit and engagement, Proceedings of the research conference on Business Studies, 26 October 2020.
- James, R. (2020). Person Job Fit and Engagement: Is Organizational Politics a Matter of Influence, Annual research Conference, Jaffna Science association, 24 October, 2020.
- James, R. (2020). The role of Perceived External Employment Opportunity on the Relationship between Person Organization Fit and Retention, Annual research Conference, Jaffna Science association, 24 October, 2020.
- James, R. (2019). Newcomer socialisation: the role of proactive behaviour in adjustment, Proceedings of Vayamba International Conference, 24-25 August 2018
- James, R. (2019). Repatriation adjustment: the role of self-regulation, self-management and self efficacy. Proceedings of Vayamba International Conference, 24-25 August 2018
- Robinson, J. (2010). Age and Self Efficacy of Employees and its’ influence on the Perception of Organizational Politics. Proceedings of the Annual Research Conference, Vavuniya Campus, Sri Lanka,
- Robinson, J. (2009). Gender Influence on Styles of Interpersonal Handling. Proceedings of Annual Research forum, Volume 16, Jaffna Science Association, Sri Lanka
- Robinson, J. (2009). Organisational Politics and Its Impact on Employees’ Organisational Commitment- A Study on Banks in Jaffna Peninsula. Proceedings of Annual Research forum, Volume 16, Jaffna Science Association, Sri Lanka
- Robinson, J. (2009). Impact of emotional intelligence on employees’ performance. Proceedings of the Vavuniya Campus Annual Research Session, Sri Lanka
- Robinson, J. (2006). Impact of conflict handling styles on employees’ Performance. Proceedings of the International Research Conference Management and Finance, University of Colombo
Reviewer for Journal Articles
I have served as a reviewer for the following well-reputed journals that are indexed in Web of Science and Scopus.
- Journal of Global Mobility- Emerald Publishing.
- International Journal of Manpower- Emerald Publishing
- International Journal of Human Resource Management- Sage Publication
- South Asian Journal of Busies Studies- Emerald Publishing.
- South Asian Journal of Human Resource Management- Sage Publications
- Personal Review- Emerald Publishing
- Journal of Cross-cultural Management- Sage Publications
- Journal of Management Development- Emerald Publishing
In addition to these Journal I served as reviewer for the
following journals published by the Sri Lankan states Universities
- Sri Lankan Journal of management- PIM University of Sri Jayewardenepura
- Journal of Business Study, FMSC, University of Jaffna
- Kelaniya journal of Human Resource Management, FCM, University of Kelaniya
- Journal of Management Matters- Rajarata University.
BOOKS PUBLISHED
- James, R. (2020). Organiational Behaviour. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Samamadu Publications. Sri Lanka, ISBN: 978-955-685-164-2
- James, R. (2020). Research Data Analysis With PLS-SEM. Thushy Publication, Sri Lanka: ISBN: 978-62497091-0-2
Awards & Grands
RESEARCH GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
- 2012 – HETC Research grant for research on “Repatriation of Academics”.
- 2013- NCAS Research grant for research on “Repatriation of Academics”.
- 2013- University of Auckland, Department of Management and International Business Research grants for the research project- Repatriation adjustment: Proactive behaviour perceived organizational support and knowledge sharing.
- 2014-University of Auckland. Business School Research grants for the research project – Academic repatriates: Repatriation adjustment and intention to leave.
- University prize (Thambiah Mudaliyar Chatram Trust)- The best Performance in the Business Administration Part III Examination for the Academic year 1996/1997.
- University prize (Sangarapillai Veerasingam Memorial Scholarship)- The best Performance in the Business Administration Part III Examination for the Academic year 1996/1997
Activities