Centre for Organisations and Social Change (COSC)

Centre for Organisations and Social Change (COSC)

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The Centre for Organisations and Social Change (COSC) addresses how organisations can play a key role in driving a business agenda that promotes transformative social change for the inclusion and wellbeing of all

COSC is an interdisciplinary research centre based in the College of Business and Law at RMIT University. Our researchers examine contemporary business, policy and societal challenges to find evidence-based solutions to create inclusive, equitable and thriving organisations. Our work is grounded in academic theory and rigour with relevance for business, Government, not for profit and community organisations.

Our collaborative and impactful research spans efforts to develop diverse and healthy workplaces, promote equity-centred stakeholder engagement and action; and build purpose-driven organisations. This equips organisations to become better employers whilst more meaningfully serving their customers and external stakeholders.

Our four research themes focus specifically on driving social change within and through organisations to advance gender equality, multicultural inclusion, health and wellbeing and positive ageing.

We currently have significant various and diverse expert academics that examine core business areas across organisations, including the fields of management, human resource management, industrial relations, economics, finance, marketing, information systems, accounting and entrepreneurship. The Centre promotes a vibrant research environment that spans early career, mid-career and established researchers whilst supporting higher degree by research students.

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Learn about the Centre for Organisations and Social Change (COSC)

Hear from COSC's two co-directors, Associate Professors Lauren Gurrieri and Lena Wang, as well as our research theme leaders about the work being undertaken by the Centre.

The official launch of the Centre for Organisations and Social Change

We were extremely pleased to officially launch the Centre for Organisations and Social Change (COSC) on 21 November 2023.

Research themes

Gender equity and organisations

This theme examines gendered power relations and identities as related to organisations and organisational life and how gender equality can be advanced through policy and practice change.

Health, wellbeing and organisations

This theme explores how organisations can promote and improve health and wellbeing as well as organisational responses to health and social problems

Positive ageing and organisations

This theme considers how older people can be supported within and through organisations to be connected and contribute to society and the economy

Multicultural inclusion and organisations

This theme explores issues of inclusion and exclusion for culturally and linguistically diverse people, migrants, refugees and indigenous communities in workplaces and for organisations

People

Associate Professor Lauren Gurrieri

Co-Director

Associate Professor Lena Wang

Co-Director

Our Sustainable Development Focus

The Centre for Organisations and Social Change is committed to producing research that promotes and contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

RMIT & the Sustainable Development Goals

RMIT University Ranked 1st for SDG10 Reduced inequalities
RMIT University ranked 1st for SDG8 Decent work and economic growth
the phrase 10 reduced inequalities in white on a pink background
the phrase 5 gender equality in white on a red background

COSC in the News

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The snail girl era is the mental health reset you need

On the heels of 'bare minimal Mondays' and 'quiet quitting', Associate Professor Lena Wang explains a new social media movement that is about slowing down without losing your job.

Two people in period costume on stage

Great art does not discriminate

Research by Dr Bronwyn Coate has found that in the opera industry, women are strongly underrepresented in conductor and director roles.

Person carrying loudspeaker in front of protestors

What is the role of commercial and moral imperatives for business in society?

In a story for The Conversation Australia + NZ, Dr Amanda Spry considers that businesses today are accountable not only to shareholders but also to a broader network of stakeholders.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information