About the Project
Work engagement (WE) is a variable of central interest in organisational behaviour, organisational psychology and human resource management because of its demonstrated links to both work performance and staff well-being. While work engagement and other relevant engagement-related constructs have been intensely researched in the last decades, some of the implications of such engagement in complex work settings such as health care have not been sufficiently investigated and understood. The research programme within which this PhD position is located is concerned with the investigation of the impact of work-engagement among health-service employees on staff retention, performance, and well-being, as well as on patient experiences and clinical outcomes.
The basic thrust of this research programme is two-fold: one central interest is the examination of the antecedents and consequences of work engagement in health service settings, with a particular focus on its role in increasing retention, performance and well-being among front-line personnel. Another important focus is the investigation of the impact of work engagement of health-service providers on patients’ clinical and subjective outcomes as well as on their overall participation in and engagement with their treatment. This is likely to involve investigation in health-service settings dealing with chronic illnesses (e.g., kidney disease; diabetes), rehabilitation programmes (e.g., cardiac rehabilitation), and/or other clinical and therapeutic settings. At present, different research opportunities and field settings in Ireland and abroad are being considered.
Project Objectives
The doctoral research project will be located in the context of this research programme. The complex and emerging nature of this research will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to carve out a meaningful yet integrated (set of) research question(s) located in one of, or connecting, the two main areas of the research programme. Depending on the interests, experience and skill-set of the PhD student this may primarily focus on the human resource management aspects of this research (for PhD students with primarily organisational/managerial background or), on the link between work-engagement and the clinical and subjective patient outcomes (for PhD students with health-services/clinical backgrounds), or a combination of the two.
Methodology Proposed
To be determined in consultation with the doctoral supervisor.
Expected Outcomes
Commensurate with the specific topic chosen for the doctoral project, the outcomes of this research should provide theoretical insights and empirically-based findings that can guide health-service managers and organisations in their approach to managing their employees and designing health-service settings and processes. Depending on the particular focus of the doctoral project, implications for health service clients and patients will also be identified.
Application Closing Date
This call will close 1 June 2018, but applications will be reviewed periodically and the position may be filled before the deadline. As we expect great interest in this funded PhD studentship early application is advised.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a minimum 2.1 grade in an honours degree (GPA of 3.2/4) to be considered for entry to Trinity College Dublin. Individual PI’s may have additional specific entry requirements. General information on entry to Trinity College Dublin is available at: www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/faculty/
How to Apply
Interested candidates should contact the PI for this project directly, Prof. Martin Fellenz E: [Email Address Removed], in the first instance after consulting the additional information available at https://www.tcd.ie/business/news-events/phd-position.php. Additional information on how to subsequently apply to our PhD programmes is available at: www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/research/az.php
Funding Notes
This Trinity College Dublin, Provost’s PhD Project Award is open to EU and Non-EU candidates and includes full tuition fees and an annual stipend of €16,000 for four years, beginning in September 2018. These prestigious doctoral awards are generously funded through alumni donations and Trinity’s Commercial Revenue Unit.