The Institute of Administrative Sciences at University of the Punjab is holding its first International Conference on strategic directions in the fields of Governance, Management and Human Resource Management. The conference aims to provide a venue for academic conversation and scholarly dialogue on the strategic directions that governance mechanisms in the public sector, management of organizations and human resource management practices take due to the peculiarities in the culture and context of countries in Asia and beyond. In light of the economic volatility and the subsequent financial austerity measures there is a growing need for innovative methods to improve the efficiency and quality of public service delivery, products and services, and HR practices in order to meet the rising expectations of the citizens, customers, employees and other stakeholders. Moreover, the policy transfer and diffusion of best practices originating in the west, has resulted in emphasizing practical considerations; and highlighting the significance of culture and context. The application of co-production, collaboration and electronic governance in public service mechanisms have been vigorously changing the conventional perceptions on how public services should be delivered and governed. Similarly, the management of for profit or not for profit organizations is witnessing change in response to the global best practices; that are being adopted and implemented without taking into account the contextual and cultural relevance.