Meet Matthew Bidwell: Wharton CHRO Program Faculty Director
| Summary:
Read how Professor Matthew Bidwell is shaping the Wharton CHRO Program, for which his research on evolving work trends and people analytics forms the core of the curriculum. |
Professor Matthew Bidwell, a distinguished Wharton faculty, is at the forefront of understanding the evolving world of work. Through pioneering research in people analytics, he dissects evolving career patterns and offers critical insights into the strategic balance of internal mobility and external hiring for organizations. His expertise extends to the intricate world of highly skilled contractors. He examines their integration within organizations, their ties to staffing agencies, and the individual motivations driving professionals toward contract roles.
As the academic director of the Wharton Executive Education CHRO Program, his pioneering research aids the curriculum. This ensures senior HR leaders engage with the most current data-driven knowledge relevant to their strategic decision-making in today’s dynamic labor market. This blog highlights Matthew Bidwell’s expertise in analyzing the shifting world of work and his crucial role in guiding the Wharton CHRO Program. His guidance aims to equip HR executives with cutting-edge insights to enhance their leadership skills in human resources management.
About the Wharton CHRO Program
Launched in 2021, the Wharton Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program is a premier executive education experience designed to prepare senior HR leaders for enterprise-wide impact. Since its inception, the program has seen over 1,100 participants from around the world grow their HR leadership, each bringing diverse perspectives to a collaborative and strategic learning environment.
Structured around 18 weeks of core modules and three six-week electives, the curriculum reflects the most pressing challenges and emerging trends in HR leadership today—from human capital strategy and performance management to change leadership, diversity, and analytics.
Program Benefits:
- Strategic focus on the CHRO role: Core modules deepen your understanding of how CHROs influence organizational performance, covering topics such as talent strategy, human capital systems, and the alignment of HR with business goals.
- Leadership development rooted in science and practice: Sessions on executive presence, persuasive leadership, and managing change (The Rider, The Elephant, and The Path framework) equip participants to lead with confidence and emotional intelligence.
- Future-ready HR skills: Through core modules and electives such as HR Management and Analytics and Future of Work, gain cutting-edge insights into analytics, technology in talent management, and the future of work.
- Governance and boardroom readiness: Electives such as Corporate Governance help participants build the skills and knowledge needed to contribute effectively at the board level.
- Experiential, real-world learning: Engage in sessions that combine theory with real case studies, allowing you to apply new concepts directly to real organizational challenges.
- Personalized and flexible learning journey: Choose electives aligned with your goals, and pace your learning with a manageable commitment of three to five hours weekly.
- Success coaching and peer support: Benefit from regular check-ins with a cohort success coach, and network with accomplished HR leaders across industries.
- Recognition and alumni pathway: Attend an optional two-day, on-campus recognition event, and unlock a pathway to apply for Wharton alumni status upon meeting further eligibility criteria.
Professor Matthew Bidwell’s Research Focus
Professor Bidwell’s research centers on the evolving nature of work, particularly focusing on the causes and effects of short-term, market-oriented employment. He dives deep into the varied career paths individuals navigate today, using the power of people analytics to uncover crucial insights.
Professor Bidwell meticulously studies how organizations balance internal promotions against external hiring, analyzing the outcomes of these critical staffing decisions. Furthermore, his work sheds light on the increasing prevalence of highly skilled contingent workers, examining how they integrate within organizations, their relationships with staffing agencies, and the factors that lead professionals to choose contracting roles. This research provides valuable insights for chief human resources officer roles and those focused on talent management.
“Professor Matthew Bidwell has a unique and simple method of delivering messages and explaining topics.”
—Rabah Bu Hamdan, Group CHRO at National Aviation Services (NAS),Wharton CHRO Program past participant
Read more: Wharton CHRO Program Reviews: Hear From Past Participants
In a LinkedIn post after completing the Wharton CHRO Program, past participant Ria Mohta mentioned that the mentorship of Matthew Bidwell, alongside insights from industry experts, success coach Lee Evans, and professionals worldwide, has greatly enhanced her professional expertise through engagement with various thought leaders and experts. Their guidance fostered a sense of community and shared purpose, leading to lifelong partnerships for knowledge exchange.1
How Professor Bidwell Shaped the Wharton CHRO Program
Professor Bidwell plays a vital role in shaping the future of data-driven HR and leadership, serving as a faculty director of the Wharton Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program and faculty co-director of the influential Wharton People Analytics Initiative.
Watch Professor Matthew Bidwell speak about the Wharton CHRO Program:
Professor Matthew Bidwell‘s insightful research and dedicated teaching provide invaluable perspectives on the modern workplace. His leadership in people analytics and his deep understanding of employment trends make Professor Bidwell a key figure for anyone seeking to navigate the future of careers, people management, and human capital strategy within the Wharton community and beyond.
If you’re looking to grow into a C-suite HR role or currently an HR leader, enroll in the Wharton CHRO Program and benefit from Professor Matthew Bidwell’s expertise.
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