Hazel Gruenewald, a Professor of Organizational Behavior at Reutlingen University, has joined the SBM ITB as a visiting professor. Her relationship with SBM ITB dates back to 2012.
Over the years, this partnership has grown into many successful collaborations. Notable initiatives include the establishment of a dual degree program, the formation of the International Association for Business Engineering Professionals, which hosts expert conferences and discussions, and the hosting of several SBM colleagues as visiting professors for three-month stints at Reutlingen University.
“Several of my colleagues have already come to SBM ITB and spoken very highly of their experiences, and now I want to take advantage of this opportunity. It has been a truly enriching experience,” said Gruenewald in Bandung on Monday (September 1).
A Career Shaped by People and Opportunities
Gruenewald’s professional journey has been anything but straightforward. She initially studied Russian and French, intending to become a professor of Slavonic Studies. However, her life took a different direction when she moved to Germany, started a family, and began working as a freelance communications coach.
During this time, she discovered her passion for Human Resources. With the support of a manager at a large international company, she transitioned into HR and soon found herself involved in global personnel training, management development, and organizational learning.
“I have always been fascinated by people and how to empower them. I strive to see their potential and create structures that allow them to do their best work and feel fulfilled in the process.”
Her career then took her to Bulgaria, where she worked for an American-Bulgarian company, before eventually moving to Hewlett-Packard, where she served as a Global Program Manager.
Research and Professional Engagement
Currently, Prof. Gruenewald’s research focuses on reskilling and upskilling in response to global workforce transformation. Together with Prof. Maren Müller of DHBW Ravensburg, she has written a foundational textbook for the DACH region and its global edition, while also working on new editorial projects with practitioners, academics, and policymakers.
Her research also explores gamification in workforce learning, soft power, internationalization, and inclusion, with a strong emphasis on the integration of disadvantaged groups, women returning to work, senior workers, and people with disabilities.
In addition to her research, she has significant experience advising global teams on improving communication, strengthening team structures, and building effective cross-border collaboration. One of her focuses is idea management, helping companies capture insights from frontline workers to drive innovation and improve daily operations.
“Through idea management, you can actually share suggestions to improve other parts of the organization. It’s a way to apply more diverse knowledge and different interdisciplinary perspectives to improve productivity and the work environment.”
A Busy Week at SBM ITB
Since arriving at SBM ITB in August, Prof. Gruenewald has had a busy schedule, teaching Psychology and Organizational Behavior as well as Business Communication courses to undergraduate students. Outside of the classroom, she also actively participates in academic forums such as ICMEM and HCM Talks, interacting with colleagues and doctoral students to share insights and foster research discussions.
“For me, this visiting professor program is not only about sharing my expertise, but also about learning from colleagues and students at SBM ITB. It’s a wonderful opportunity to continue learning from an interdisciplinary perspective and collaborate across boundaries.”
Her presence at SBM ITB reflects not only her long-standing collaboration with the faculty but also her dedication to shaping the future of learning, the workplace, and international collaboration.
