Dr Asfia Obaid is a distinguished academic, researcher, and human resource management expert with over 25 years of experience at NUST Business School (NBS). She currently serves as the Head of the Department of Management and Human Resource Management, leading the disciplines of Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Strategy.

Dr Obaid earned her Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan, and completed her PhD in Business Administration from the prestigious Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, UK.

Her research and professional interests span Strategic Human Resource Management, HRM System Strength, Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Workplace Well-being, and Organisational Development. She has published extensively in leading academic journals, presented her work at numerous international conferences, and led consultancy projects and research initiatives worth millions. Her expertise includes conducting HR audits, designing employee engagement surveys, developing HR policies and performance management systems, creating personality assessment tools, and promoting initiatives related to workplace harassment prevention and women’s empowerment.

Beyond her research, Dr Obaid is deeply committed to creating inclusive, diverse, and psychologically safe learning environments. She advocates for classrooms where every learner feels respected, valued, and empowered to participate, recognising that diversity of perspectives enriches learning, fosters innovation, and prepares students for success in multicultural and global workplaces. Her approach to teaching integrates evidence-based HR practices with principles of equity, inclusion, collaboration, and belonging, enabling educators and leaders to cultivate environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.

A highly sought-after trainer and leadership development facilitator, Dr Obaid has designed and delivered executive education and capacity-building programs for leading national organisations, including the Telenor Management Development Program, JAZZ Leadership Academy, USAID-sponsored Train-the-Trainers Program for SMEs, and leadership development initiatives for CEOs and senior management teams. She is also a senior member of the National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC), Pakistan, where she actively contributes to accreditation and faculty development initiatives. In addition, she has mentored several universities in developing strategic plans and institutional strategies aimed at enhancing quality, governance, and organisational excellence.

Through her academic leadership, research, and training, Dr Asfia Obaid continues to champion excellence in education by promoting inclusive leadership, diversity of thought, equitable opportunities, and learner-centred teaching practices, equipping educators and organisations to build cultures where everyone has the opportunity to learn, contribute, and succeed.