About the Project
Project Description
The PhD in Management is based in the Business School
Highlights of the project
- This thesis will explore how the use of AI in marketing is changing consumer identities.
- To achieve this aim, a combination of qualitative approaches with consumers and marketing managers will be employed.
- In addition to new understandings of changing consumer identities, the project will also provide insights for digital marketing practitioners on responsible use of AI in marketing and the protection of vulnerable consumers in online marketplaces.
Project Overview
The use of AI is changing the role of the consumer. This is significant because consumption is recognised as a domain for identity construction. The consumer is a key social and economic figure and their choices within the market impact everything from wellbeing to economic structures and environmental sustainability. Any changes in what it means to be a consumer therefore have wide significance. This research will therefore explore how AI technologies change consumption practices, and how this impacts consumers’ identity, sense of self-worth and wellbeing, creativity, and agency. As the project deals with changes in marketing practice, it will also provide insights for digital marketing practitioners on the responsible use of AI in marketing, and on what is necessary to protect vulnerable consumers in online marketplaces.
The successful candidate is expected to:
- Expand knowledge gained through their Masters in Marketing, or related subject, and develop research skills by undertaking doctoral training and attending relevant seminars and workshops;
- Contribute to the research culture of the School of Business through sustained engagement with the academic community;
- Lead the project development independently and creatively, with the support of the supervision team.
Methodology
A combination of qualitative approaches with consumers and marketing managers will provide deep insight into how AI technologies influence marketplace behaviours and related consumer identities.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better overseas equivalent and a Masters degree with Merit both in a relevant subject.
The University of Leicester English language requirements apply.
Informal enquiries
Informal project enquiries please email the supervisor: Dr Georgiana Grigore [Email Address Removed]
Application enquiries: [Email Address Removed]
To apply please refer to our web page at https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/f50-sob-grigore
References
Grigore, G., Molesworth, M., Miles, C., & Glozer, S. (2021). (Un) resolving digital technology paradoxes through the rhetoric of balance. Organization, 28(1), 186-207.
Kipnis, E., Demangeot, C., Pullig, C., Galalae, C., et al. (2021). Institutionalizing Diversity-and-Inclusion-Engaged Marketing for Multicultural Marketplace Well-Being. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 40(2),143-164.
Demangeot, C., Kipnis, E., Pulling C., Cross, S., Emontspool, J., Galalae, C., Grier, S., Rosenbaum, M. & Best, S. (2019). Constructing a Bridge to Multicultural Marketplace Well-Being: a Consumer-centered Framework for Market Action. Journal of Business Research, 100, 339-353.
Mardon, R., Molesworth, M., & Grigore, G. (2018). YouTube Beauty Gurus and the emotional labour of tribal entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Research, 92, 443-454.
Grigore, G., Molesworth, M., & Watkins, R. (2017). New corporate responsibilities in the digital economy. In Corporate social responsibility in the post-financial crisis era (pp. 41-62). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Hobbs, J., Grigore, G., & Molesworth, M. (2016). Success in the management of crowdfunding projects in the creative industries. Internet Research, 26(1), 146-166.