College of Business and Law at the University of the West of England in Bristol invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship in Leadership on the topic of “Leadership for Grand Societal Challenges”.
Closing date for applications is 1 May 2023
Start date of this studentship is 1st of October 2023
About the Project
Grand societal challenges (GSCs), such as those highlighted in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), require diverse actors to interact and collaborate in unique ways. Coordinated and sustained effort from multiple stakeholders, working across boundaries, are not amenable to received notions of leadership which tend to prioritise authoritative, heroic action by a visionary leader.
Despite the urgent need for a more nuanced understanding of leadership in multi-stakeholder partnerships, the conceptual and empirical understanding of leaders’ identities and practices at the intersection of organisation and society is underdeveloped. Various areas of scholarship have been established that focus on responsible leadership, collective leadership, unleadership, complexity leadership and CEO activism, among others. This studentship invites project proposals that seek to explore the role of leadership in shaping collective action and cross-boundary working to address GSCs.
Suggested research questions may include (but are not restricted to):
· What capabilities, attitudes and values inspire leaders to give attention to GSCs in their practice?
· How can leaderly practices be theorised in order to influence sustainable development at a systems level?
· What are the ways to develop responsible leaders who look beyond organisational objectives and address societal outcomes?
· What institutional, political or cultural systems inhibit leaders from actively engaging with GSCs?
We especially welcome proposals with a qualitative/mixed methods approach, innovative methodologies and multi-/cross-disciplinary insights.
Prospective students will be based in the Bristol Leadership and Change Centre (BLCC).
About the College
The studentship reflect ongoing commitment of the College of Business and Law at UWE to the development of its doctoral programmes.
Prospective student will be based in the Bristol Business School, which is home to several multidisciplinary research groups detailed here: www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/fbl-research-overview
Doctoral students at the College benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from UWE Doctoral Academy, including extensive professional development programme, research skills training and careers advice. Find out more about the Doctoral Academy at www.uwe.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-study/about-the-graduate-school
For an informal discussion about the studentship, please contact Director of Doctoral Research, Dr Paweł Capik at [Email Address Removed]
For an informal discussion about the project proposal please contact Dr Selen Kars at [Email Address Removed]
Applicants must have at least 2.1 degree in business management or cognate discipline, and preferably Masters degree (with average programme mark of no less than 65%, UK grading scale or international equivalent).
A recognised English language qualification is required. IELTS score of 7.0 overall, or equivalent.
How to apply
1. Prepare your research proposal (no more than 5 pages all-inclusive; font size 11, 1.5-spacing, 2-inch margins). This should ideally happen in consultation with the potential supervisor. You should contact the potential supervisor with an advanced draft of the proposal to confirm they are willing to support your application.
2. Submit your formal application online
When prompted use the reference number 2324-OCT-FBL01
Supporting documentation: you will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application so please have these available when you complete the form.
References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.
Closing date
The closing date for applications is 1st of May 2023; 6pm (UK time).
Further information
Interviews will take place in June. If you have not heard from us by 30th of June 2023, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.