Gender inequality in entrepreneurship: Assessing the impact of female entrepreneurial leadership in the digital age

This project explores leadership issues and the role of social media in reducing gender inequalities in entrepreneurship in the UK. It studies the impact of gendered politics and social media on female entrepreneurship at different life stages in the male dominated digital industries. It will explore interventions that promote positively the opportunities in the sector for females across generations. This project aims to survey 300+ female entrepreneurs and interview 45 participants, using membership organisations in the Tees Valley and North East of the England areas. This project will provide insights into the experiences of female entrepreneurs in the sector, exploring the gendered labour dynamics, and the opportunities around self-employment, employability for females of all ages. 

The research will use qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the role of entrepreneurial leadership under digital technology, and in particular social media platforms and online groups, in studying gender inequality in entrepreneurship.

The data access of this project will be supported by Northern Power Women.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a good honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline. A masters level qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable, but not essential, as well as a demonstrable understanding of the research area. Further details of the expected background may appear in the specific project details. International students will be subject to the standard entry criteria relating to English language ability, ATAS clearance and, when relevant, UK visa requirements and procedures.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply online for this opportunity at:

https://e-vision.tees.ac.uk/si_prod/userdocs/web/apply.html?CourseID=1191

Please use the Online Application (Funded PHD) application form. When asked to specify funding select “other” and enter ‘RDS’ and the title of the PhD project that you are applying for. You should ensure that you clearly indicate that you are applying for a Funded Studentship and the title of the topic or project on the proposal that you will need to upload when applying. If you would like to apply for more than one project, you will need to complete a further application form and specify the relevant title for each application to a topic or project.

Applications for studentships that do not clearly indicate that the application is for a Funded Studentship and state the title of the project applied for on the proposal may mean that your application may not be considered for the appropriate funding.

For academic enquiries, please contact Dr Xiaoxian Zhu via [Email Address Removed]

For administrative enquiries before or when making your application, contact [Email Address Removed]. 

After an application has been made, please contact [Email Address Removed].

The online application portal and all document templates required for an application can be accessed at:

https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/research/students_prospective_c.cfm

Selection process

All applications received by the closing date will be considered. Successful applicants at the application stage will be shortlisted and contacted to arrange an interview. All interviews will be held online. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted to confirm that the application will not be progressed. After interview, all interviewed applicants will be contacted to inform them of the outcome. Successful applicants progressing to an offer of a place, to commence in either May or October 2022.

Research at Teesside

As a Teesside University research student, you will join a growing and dynamic research community, allowing you to share your experiences, insight and inspiration with fellow researchers. You will benefit from our academic expertise and be supported through a strong programme of research training. You will be offered opportunities and support at each stage of your research degree. Our research is designed to have impact, and to influence policy and practice within our region, the UK and beyond. We work with external organisations to anticipate and respond to research needs, and to put our research into practice in sectors as diverse as the arts, engineering, healthcare and computing. PhD students are encouraged to work with their supervisors to explore the potential impact of their work.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate fully in research group and centre activities, including training sessions and workshops, and will become a member of the University’s wider postgraduate research community. Mentoring and support will be provided for the development of a strong academic and professional CV during the PhD.

Key Dates

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 28 February 2022.

We envisage that interviews will take place in April 2022.

Successful applicants will be expected to start May or October 2022.