PhD position in Organizational Behavior (OB)/Human Resource Management (HRM)

Abstract

The core focus of our OB/HRM research group is studying people—and how they lead, collaborate, and organize—at work. We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic PhD student to further strengthen our group, with a strong motivation to explore these themes through rigorous scientific research. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated passion for and experience in academic research, along with a learning orientation, perseverance, and a collaborative attitude.

We offer an inspiring and supportive research environment, where our faculty members bring diverse expertise in areas such as leadership, HRM, teamwork, diversity, creativity, hierarchy, motivation, performance, well-being, and social networks. Our faculty, lecturers, and postdocs work closely with PhD students across research, teaching, and outreach activities, fostering a strong sense of a collaborative community. Our doctoral program is designed to equip our PhD students with all the necessary knowledge and skills for both academic achievement and successful careers in academia and beyond.

Keywords

Organisational Behaviour, Human Resource Management, Leadership, Change Management, Teams, Behavioural Research

Topic

Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) and our group comprises some of the most international recognised, influential academics in their respective fields. This is evidenced not only by external metrics such as RSM’s high ranking but also by our numerous publications in top-tier journals, our members’ roles as associate editors for leading academic outlets, as well as their receipt of prestigious international awards. Beyond our quantifiable achievements, we foster a strong culture of support, collaboration, inclusivity, and fairness, which we believe makes us better academics and a true community. Further, we are deeply committed to open science practices and adhere to the FAIR principles, ensuring that our research is accessible, transparent, and ethically conducted.

This PhD position fits broadly into our research themes of: (1) Organizational Behavior (OB) – the study of individuals and groups at work, and (2) Human Resource Management (HRM) – the study of workplace practices, structures, and processes that empower individuals to perform at their best while fostering positive and fulfilling work experiences.

This is an “open” PhD position, meaning that the accepted student has the opportunity to define and carry out their own projects. The student will develop a research agenda centred on a topic of their choice, informed by their skills, interests, and in alignment with one or more faculty members’ research expertise. While projects are developed in consultation with specific advisors, candidates are encouraged to collaborate with other faculty members, including those from external institutions.

Currently our faculty and PhD students focus on themes such as:

• Leadership (e.g., authentic leadership, servant leadership, CEO activism, CEO personality & values, leadership development)
• HRM (e.g., individuals’ experiences of HR practices, HR systems and performance, hiring and selection decision-making, the role of (top) managers in HRM, employee-centric work organisations, the role of HRM in society)
• Teams (e.g., teamwork and performance, interteam relationships, creativity in teams, diversity in teams, multiple team membership, global teams)
• Social networks (e.g., knowledge sharing and advice networks in organisations, boundary spanning)
• Organisational change (e.g., change management, resistance to change, change interventions, leading and designing change initiatives, digitisation and change)
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace (e.g., diversity management, employee responses to DEI programs and policies, bias and discrimination, inclusive academia, intersections of DEI and leadership)
• Management and hierarchy (e.g., power and authority, decentralised organising, hierarchy in teams, self-management and self-organising, voice)
• Research methods (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods)

Estimated timeline:

• In the first year, the PhD student begins with an orientation to identify a potential dissertation focus through discussions with faculty and a review of relevant literature. As a specific focus develops, the literature review will become more targeted, leading to the design of the initial study. The first year ends with the development of a research proposal for the rest of the PhD trajectory. Additionally, the student will take relevant PhD courses throughout the year on methods, theory and processes.
• In the following years, the student will focus on conducting the studies necessary for their dissertation, writing, and preparing papers for journal submission. They will also take more, advanced courses to support their individual research. During these years, the student will also have the opportunity to present their findings at international conferences and, may plan a research visit abroad.
• The final format of the thesis will depend on the research methods employed, but an ERIM series thesis in our research group often comprises three empirical chapters, of publishable quality. Recent theses can be accessed via this repository: https://www.erim.eur.nl/research/publications/phd-series/

In addition to the research, the student will also have the opportunity to gain teaching experience for a small portion of their time (up to 20% of their time). They will participate in the department’s undergraduate and master's programs, acquiring valuable skills that will enhance their qualifications for an academic position upon completing their PhD.

Approach

The methods employed in the PhD project are expected to align to the specialisms in our research group. Most scholars in our OB/HRM group have quantitative focus, primarily utilizing survey and/or experimental methodologies for data collection, but we also include scholars specialising in qualitative approaches—such as ethnography, case studies, interviews, and empirical observation. Mixed-method approaches that integrate both qualitative and quantitative research can also be pursued. While the specifics of the project will depend on its chosen direction, the broad conceptual and methodological foundation within the research group ensures a robust framework for any project within the group’s area of study.

Required profile

We seek candidates who have:

• A (nearly) completed Masters’ degree (including a research thesis) in management, organizational psychology, social sciences, or a related area with a strong focus on behavioural research.
• Demonstrated experience of conducting behavioral research, including either quantitative (e.g., surveys, experiments) or qualitative (e.g., interviews, observation) methods;
• Strong interest in studying OB/HRM;
• High conscientiousness, flexibility, and a collaborative attitude;
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow in all areas of research;
• Strong methodological skills, commitment to methodological rigor and scientific integrity;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and a genuine interest in writing academic papers.

Required by ERIM

All application documents required by ERIM can be found here. 

Expected output

• Scientific publications in top-tier peer-reviewed journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Management, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Management Studies, Organizational Behaviour and Human Decision Processes and Human Resource Management Review.
• Academic presentations at international conferences such as the annual meetings of Academy of Management.
• A PhD dissertation bundling all findings.
• Online materials on open science platforms (including anonymized data, code, preregistrations).

Cooperation

We promote (international) research cooperation in several ways. For example:

• We encourage PhD students to spend time visiting institutions abroad. Our faculty is happy to support PhD students seeking to visit institutions abroad by leveraging their strong international network. In the past our students visited institutions such as Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Maryland, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, Rice University, Stanford University, and University of Toronto.
• We organize monthly research seminars featuring some of the most prolific scholars in our field. These events provide PhD students with the opportunity to engage with distinguished speakers, interact with them directly, and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

We nurture a collaborative environment within our research group. This includes internal research seminars from faculty and PhD candidates, and an active environment of research sharing on a day-to-day basis. Our PhD candidates are active members of this community.

Societal relevance

In addition to scientific relevance, research should address practical problems and contribute to important societal issues. The Rotterdam School of Management actively supports the dissemination of research findings to the broader community through various initiatives (e.g., RSM Discovery).

Scientific relevance

The PhD project will aim to significantly enhance our understanding of OB/HRM. Regardless of its specific focus, the expectation is that the project will contribute to theory development by emphasizing not only the outcomes but also the system, social, behavioural and psychological processes that lead to these outcomes.

Literature references & data sources

Please consult the webpages of the faculty listed as potential supervisor (see: https://www.rsm.nl/research/departments/organisation-and-personnel-management/faculty/) for further information on their expertise and research. Also consider having a look at the profiles of some of the current PhD students of the group to get a feel for what a PhD project in OB/HRM could look like (see: https://www.rsm.nl/research/departments/organisation-and-personnel-management/phd-candidates/)

Employment conditions

ERIM offers fully-funded and salaried PhD positions, which means that accepted PhD candidates become employees (promovendi) of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO).

Erasmus University Rotterdam aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfil their full potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our successes, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EUR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

Contact information

For questions regarding the PhD application and selection procedure, please check the Admissions or send us an e-mail via phdadmissions@erim.eur.nl.