london business school phd organizational behavior

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PhD Programme

Become a research expert at king’s.

A PhD from King’s Business School aims to be more than just a qualification. It provides you with the opportunity to become an expert in your chosen field of research. By the end of the programme, you will have developed the skills necessary to analyse complex organisational problems in order to make a difference in business and society.

If that’s you, then King’s Business School provides an ideal home for you to pursue PhD research. It is one of the leading research-intensive business schools in the UK and features world-class research academics in all of our departments:

• Accounting & Financial Management
• Banking & Finance
• Human Resource Management & Employment Relations
• Public Services Management & Organisation
• Strategy, International Management & Entrepreneurship

Many of our graduates continue onto academic careers after completing their PhD. Some take on research, analysis or leadership roles in major corporations and public bodies. Others use their expertise to start up their own research consultancy. It’s entirely up to you to decide what King’s means for your future. However, we know that PhD research will be right for you if you are motivated to interrogate academic puzzles; committed to developing high-level analytical skills; and dedicated to advancing knowledge in your research area.

Upcoming deadlines October 2025 entry

Round 1 - 1 December 2024

Round 2 - Application deadline for all applicants: 1 June 2025

Please note, any application received after 1 December 2024 will automatically be considered for the second round entry.

Application and admissions guide

Our application guide outlines everything you need to know about applying to the programme and for our King’s Business School studentships.

Find out how to apply for our PhD programme

Our full-time PhD programme usually takes three to four years, while the part-time programme will last six to sevent years. As a full-time student, you will spend most of your time in the iconic Bush House where we have dedicated spaces for our PhD researchers. And with central London on your doorstep, you’ll be surrounded by major business, government and cultural institutions. While completing a PhD is probably the toughest academic challenge you’ll ever take on, we’re here to support you throughout your time at King’s (and beyond).

Find out more about life at King's Business School

Skills & Training

The King’s Business School PhD programme is designed to support you in preparing the strongest thesis that you can, which will place you in the best position to move on to the job that you want. We will support you in developing advanced academic skills, but also skills relevant for wider impact in business and on society – for instance, skills in critical and analytical thinking, communication and networking.

Find out more about how we train our PhD students

Read more about the PhD journey

Roadmap of the full-time PhD programme

Doctoral Research Studentships

King's Business School invites applications for funded, full-time PhD studentships to start in the…

PhD Studentships

Please see other available King's Business School PhD Studentships

Student Experiences

Current and former students share their experiences of being a PhD student at King's Business School

8 January 2021

Chiamaka Nwosu

Chiamaka Nwosu is a current PhD student at King's Business School.

7 January 2021

Felix Kempf

Felix Kempf is a current PhD student at King's Business School.

Strategy & Organisational Behaviour

Choose start date: Start date: September 2025 Duration: Five to six years Deadline: 2 December 2024 Fee: Fully funded Location: London, UK

Work with renowned faculty and conduct innovative research

Faculty and PhD students in Strategy or Organisational Behaviour are part of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship. The department welcomes doctoral applicants from a wide variety of academic disciplines who are united by a desire to conduct innovative research.  

Researchers in this area are considering a variety of questions on what constitutes effective organisations across a range of different contexts. Some of these questions include understanding the link between senior managerial style and firm strategy, and the effect of team selection processes on success, how organisational contexts affect how we construe, and therefore facilitate, morally problematic behaviour and how business organisations learn to grow and adapt to environmental turbulence. 

You may also be co-supervised by faculty in other departments in the School, depending on your research interests. 

Research and partnerships

The Business School is home to several research centres and institutes, offering a diverse range of activities that bring together academics and specialists.

Leonardo Centre

Exploring and experimenting with new ways of doing business in order to regenerate economies, communities and natural environments around the world. 

Centre for Responsible Leadership

Using evidence-based research to create a focus on generating meaningful change in businesses and organisations. 

Gandhi Centre for Inclusive Innovation

Linking innovation and entrepreneurship in companies and institutions globally, through thought leadership, research, technology and next-generation innovation models. 

Teaching experience

PhD students on the Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) scholarship will undertake 150 hours of teaching assistant duties from year three of the programme. There will be opportunities for PhD students to engage in teaching activities within the Business School’s programmes such as MSc Management and MSc Economics & Strategy for Businesses, as well as on our MBA suite. 

Doctoral theses in Strategy & Organisational Behaviour

Meet your faculty

Our PhD programme fosters close collaboration between leading Strategy & Organisational Behaviour faculty and doctoral students, developing their research interests and providing continuous support and guidance throughout the programme.  

Celia Moore

Christopher Tucci

Markus Perkmann

Michelle Rogan

Ileana Stigliani

Laura J. Noval

Explore more, doctoral programme.

Study your doctoral programme at a global top 10 university offering world-class faculty, leadership coaching, global business experience, industry connections, specialist careers support and an exciting London location. 

Request a brochure

Downloading a brochure is a great way to find out more about our programmes and discover which is right for you. 

Stay up to date

Keep up to date about news, events, and application deadlines for the Doctoral programme by joining our mailing list. 

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MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science

• Graduate research
• Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science
• Application code L7ZP
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of psychological and behavioural science. 

Project specifics are to be developed with academic faculty, and may explore topics in social psychology, health and communities, organisational psychology, evolutionary psychology, communication, and behavioural science. Our research addresses theoretical concerns within psychological and behavioural science, and is applicable in practical contexts (eg, organisations, developing countries, public policy).

You will have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork in many settings including experimental laboratories, organisations and countries outside of the UK. You will be encouraged to present at international conferences and publish in international journals. Part-time positions for research, teaching and editorial assistance are often available, offering you valuable experience and publication opportunities.

Find out more about our PhD programme, read our FAQs and see our current PhD student profiles on the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science  website .

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mphil/phd psychological and behavioural science.

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is an upper second class honours (2:1) bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), plus high merit (65+) in master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant area.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. Where an offer of admission is considered, this is always subject to an interview.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  and contact potential supervisors  before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - statement of academic purpose - references - CV - research proposal - sample of written work.

 See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements .

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 25 April 2024 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme.The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MPhil/PhD Psychological and Behavioural Science

Home students: £4,786 for the first year Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

Fee status​

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships . Selection for the PhD Studentships is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for LSE PhD Studentships: 15 January 2024

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

The MPhil/PhD programme can include taught courses on both methodology and theory. The precise courses you may be required to attend will vary and exemptions may apply depending on your prior experience and qualifications. These matters should be discussed and agreed with your supervisor in your first formal supervision meeting. 

If you are studying full-time, then after 15 months of studying, you will be upgraded to PhD status if you satisfy certain requirements.

(* denotes a half unit)

Transferable skills courses

Current Research in Psychological and Behavioural Science - Compulsory (not examined) Weekly seminars including plenary and specialist sessions in the Autumn Term, Winter Term and Spring Term. 

Training courses

Students are asked to complete 10 hours of research training each year.  Courses are agreed with supervisors depending on a student's needs. Taught classes can be accessed within the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science as well as in departments across LSE, including Methodology.  Methodology courses available include Qualitative Research Methods, Survey Methodology, Applied Regression Analysis and Multivariate Analysis and Measurement. Training courses are offered through our PhD academy and with affiliate institutions. Access is  subject to agreement with the relevant course convenors  (eg according to space considerations).

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision.

The supervisor you work with will be a specialist in your chosen research field, and will guide you through your studies. Prospective applicants should have the support of a potential supervisor before making a formal application to Graduate Admissions, to ensure an alignment of research interests. If contacting faculty, please be selective, and let faculty know if you are in contact with more than one member of staff.

Progression and assessment 

Degrees must be completed within a maximum of four years. The time taken to complete any research degree depends on your progress and individual needs and you must remain registered with the School until your thesis has been submitted.

You register for the MPhil in the first instance, and will need to progress satisfactorily to be upgraded to PhD status.

The first year Extended Essay and the second year Upgrade chapters (see below) are examined by a three-person thesis committee, which includes your supervisor, as well as two other academic colleagues. Targets for progress First year:  Extended Essay of 6,000 words, submitted on first day of Winter Term. Second year:  Upgrade viva. Two draft chapters or papers of 10,000 words each (total of 20,000 words), submitted on first day of Winter Term. These chapters form the basis of an oral examination by a three-person thesis committee, usually four to six weeks after submission. Success in this examination results in upgrade from MPhil to PhD status. Third year:  Completed first draft by end of three years.

PhD formats: thesis and series of publishable articles

The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science allows for two formats of PhD:

Thesis (aka monograph) format

This is the traditional PhD format. It entails candidates in effect producing several chapters examining a single subject in an integrated way. This is akin to the format and structure of a book.

Article format

This format entails candidates producing distinct papers which are combined with integrative material to address a single subject. The defining feature of this format is basically that some of the "chapters" can be articles which either have been published or prepared for publication. This format tends only to be suitable for PhD projects which comprise a series of distinct (but inter-related) empirical studies. 

Extra guidelines for article format PhD The thesis should comprise three to six publishable articles framed by an introduction, critical integrating discussion and conclusion. Articles should be co-authored with supervisors (as are all papers written on your PhD topic while being under supervision). Articles and chapters both count as "papers" – the most important part is that they are publishable quality. They do not have to have been submitted, and even if they have been submitted and accepted this does not automatically entail that the Committee will find them suitable within the larger context of the project.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student stories

Apurv chauhan.

MPhil/PhD Social Psychology Sitamarhi, India 

If you are a social psychologist, the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science at LSE is the place you want to be. The Department is a vibrant community of scholars where some of the world leading research in societal psychology unfolds. Not only do academics partake in theoretical advancements, but they also hold a firm commitment towards solving real world problems at the grass root level. 

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science

Median salary of our PG students 15 months after graduating: £33,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services              
• Education, Teaching and Research            
• Consultancy      
• Real Estate, Environment and Energy 
• Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and who were working in full-time employment.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. 

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, mphil/phd social policy.

Code(s) L4ZA

MSc Social and Cultural Psychology

Code(s) L7U1

MRes/PhD in Management - Organisational Behaviour

Code(s) N2Z3

MPhil/PhD Gender

Code(s) Y2ZG

MPhil/PhD Sociology

Code(s) L3ZS

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UCL School of Management

University college london, phd in management.

Start date:  September 2024 Duration: 5 years (1 year MRes + 4 years PhD) Fees:  We offer fully funded scholarships to all admitted students Application deadline: 01 February 2024 (17:00 UK time). A late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time), although we encourage you to apply early as places are limited and applications are subject to close sooner if places are filled. Entry:  Minimum of a first class bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. International students, please note that UCL’s English language requirement for this programme is a ' Level 1 ' (IELTS and TOEFL are the preferred test, however others on the UCL recognised test list will be accepted if required) - further details regarding this can be found on the  UCL English Language Requirements  page.

PhD students pursue their studies in one of the Operations & Technology, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Analytics, and Organisations & Innovation groups. All four groups offer a unique education and research experience to a small number of highly motivated students, with the intent of preparing them for scholarly careers at the highest level.

PhD studies in Operations and Technology

Across the different research themes , there is a shared interest in management science, operations management and business technologies. Topics of interest include R&D management, innovation and new product development, service systems, supply chain management and healthcare operations. For candidates in this area, a degree in engineering (e.g. industrial, electrical, computer, mechanical etc), economics, mathematics, statistics or operational research is preferred. 

PhD studies in Strategy and Entrepreneurship

S&E faculty research  focuses on understanding what makes firms successful, how they cope with a complex and dynamic environment, and what leads to new business formation and growth. Doctoral training involves close collaboration between the doctoral student and faculty members on shared research interests, coursework at UCL and other institutions, and independent research. Doctoral students also benefit from the S&E group’s collaborative research community, a lively program of research speakers from other institutions, and links with researchers worldwide. Topics of interest include digitization, big data analytics, machine learning, information environment, platform ecosystems, new organisational forms, learning, innovation, competition, interorganisational relationships, corporate strategy, entrepreneurial strategy, entrepreneurship for development, social innovation. 

PhD studies in Marketing and Analytics

Topics of interest in this group include branding, retailing, advertising, pricing, product development, marketing channels, business marketing, marketing strategy and e-commerce. The researchers in this group use diverse quantitative methodologies that include big data analytics, regression analysis, choice models, field experiments and Bayesian econometrics.

PhD studies in Organisations and Innovation

O&I faculty research focuses on understanding individual and team outcomes within organisations. Group members engage with a variety of perspectives and approaches including network research, experiments and ethnographies. There is a shared interest in the topics of creativity, innovation, social networks and diversity. For applicants to the PhD programme, prior training in social science (e.g. social psychology, sociology or economics) is highly relevant. 

PhD studies in Financial Economics

Our MRes and PhD Programme in Financial Economics with UCL's Department of Economics now has more information about how to apply and what you can expect from the programme on a brand new programme page, please see the specific entry requirements and programme structure here . 

PhD Structure

• The programme typically consists of five years of full-time study, starting with one year of modules registered as MRes. These modules are typically advanced postgraduate modules to provide rigorous methodological training to prepare students for their PhD research. Along with the School’s modules, students typically take some of these from other UCL departments (e.g., Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology), the London Business School, Bayes Business School, and Imperial College Business School.
• In addition to methods modules, students also undertake a first-year research project under the tutoring and supervision of a faculty member later in the MRes year (Term 3 + Summer period).
• Progression from MRes to PhD is not automatic . Superior performance in taught modules and independent, original research is required for progression from MRes to PhD.
• Our highly selective and small-sized PhD programme ensures that each student receives personal attention and guidance from our faculty members throughout their doctoral study. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful academic career. 
• We expect our PhD graduates to have as their goal an academic career as a faculty member in a top business school or engineering department of a world-class university
• PhD applications are reviewed once a completed application form has been submitted online . 

Students take a total of 180 credits in the MRes year. This is made up of the MRes Research Project:

• MSIN0135 - MRes Research Project: 8,000-10,000 words . 105 credits.

Students take 75 credits of taught modules, of which the following three are compulsory modules:

• MSIN0131 - Research Presentation and Critical Writing Skills . 15 credits
• MSIN0132 - Seminar in Organisation Theory . 15 credits
• MSIN0240 - Designing Management Research Projects.  15 credits

Finally, students choose elective modules (15 credits each) among those offered by the School of Management, other UCL Departments (e.g., Economics, Psychology), and partner universities in London.

Students can take additional (non-credit) modules at UCL and our partners schools in the remaining years to complement their learning, but there is no requirement to take modules after the MRes year.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and class discussion based on case studies and other activities. Student performance is assessed through simulations, presentations, coursework, group projects, class participation, and examinations. 

Students typically study 3 compulsory modules over Terms 1 and 2. Students will also typically study 2 optional modules which may take place in Terms 1, 2 or 3. Students will also undertake a substantial research project, which would usually be undertaken over Terms 2 and 3. 

Each taught module is delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week comprising lecture content and interactive components. 

In addition, students typically spend approximately 6-8 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars. The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the weekly activities being undertaken.

Why choose us

What our students say:.

'The UCL School of Management PhD programme is designed to provide students with skills that lead to academic excellence. Candidates are part of a dynamic and vibrant group and benefit from the programme's flexibility, as they can choose from a wide range of disciplines. The frequent cooperation with world-leading faculty members enhances our knowledge and skills and ultimately leads to high-quality research output, laying the foundations for a subsequent successful academic career.' 

UCL School of Management has forged a reputation for world-leading research in management studies with 95% of the School’s research deemed to be world-leading or internationally excellent, the second highest percentage of any business school in the UK, according to the 2021 REF. 

Video Library

Applications

Applying for our mres/phd programme.

Entry requirements and admissions criteria:

We seek to recruit highly motivated, ambitious students with strong educational backgrounds. The ideal candidate will have a first-class Bachelor's degree from the UK or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard from a leading university. We encourage students from a wide variety of backgrounds (e.g, engineering, economics, business, mathematics/statistics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, among others) to apply to our programme. Also, notice that a Master’s or graduate level degree is not required for admission, you can apply with only an undergraduate (e.g. bachelors) degree. 

In your personal statement you are expected to suggest one or more faculty members as potential supervisors. On the application form you may see that it states that it is preferred that you contact potential supervisors beforehand – you do not need to do so. In fact, applicants are discouraged from randomly contacting individual faculty members or potential supervisors when applying to our programme. All applications are first evaluated by a joint admissions committee, so contacting potential supervisors separately will not increase your chances.

All MRes/PhD applicants are normally expected to take either a GMAT test or GRE test (UCL's institution code is 3344, but also make sure you include a scanned copy of your test result on your online application), although the School has no minimum score requirements.  

We also require you to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores if English is not your first language. Our School requires a “Level 1” English qualification which corresponds to:

• IELTS: Overall grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
• TOEFL: Score of 92, plus 24/30 in the reading and writing subtests and 20/30 in the listening and speaking subtests.  

Application Deadline

The application window closes 01 February 2024 (17:00 UK time) and a late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time). We advise those interested in the programme to apply before 01 February 2024, as those applying in the late submission window will only be considered if there are still places remaining.

Application Procedure

Apply via UCL Postgraduate Admissions System here . When starting the application, you must select the MRes option. In addition to filling out the online application form, please upload a copy of the following documents:

• Official Transcripts of Grades / Course marks
• A 2-3 page personal statement or research proposal* that clearly indicates: (i) which research group you are interested in (i.e., Organisations & Innovation, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Analytics or Operations & Technology, (ii) your research interests and preliminary research ideas, (iii) potential faculty member(s) you may want to work with (this is a suggested list, you don’t need to contact potential supervisors beforehand), and (iv) your motivation to do a PhD.
• Your  GRE / GMAT  score report**
• Your IELTS/TOEFL score report, if English is not your first language.

* While submission of a full research proposal is not required, you can send us one if you have already written it up.

** You can submit your application even if you don’t have a GRE/GMAT score —simply indicate when you plan to take the test.

Funding/Scholarships

We offer fully funded five year MRes/PhD scholarships in the UCL School of Management to all admitted students. The scholarship is open to all nationalities. It covers all tuition fees, and includes an annual stipend of £25,000, which is tax-free.

Additional costs 

This programme does not have any compulsory additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying.  

Students may have the opportunity to participate in conferences in the UK and internationally. The UCL School of Management provides MRes/PhD students with an annual budget for conferences, which students will use to cover the travel, accommodation, food and other costs whilst at conferences, in line with UCL’s expenses policy. 

Apply today

For queries about the MRes/PhD Programme that are not addressed on our web pages, please contact [email protected] .

Register for More Information

Frequently Asked Questions about the UCL School of Management MRes/PhD Programme

Programme Information

Application process, admissions requirements, further information.

If you have any other questions regarding the programme that are not addressed on our web pages please email the programme team ( [email protected] )

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• Organizational Behavior

In the field of organizational behavior we research fundamental questions about the behavior of individuals, groups and organizations, from both psychological and sociological perspectives.

A distinguishing feature of Stanford’s PhD Program in organizational behavior is the broad interdisciplinary training it provides. Our students benefit from their interactions with scholars from many disciplines within the Graduate School of Business, as well as from Stanford University’s long-standing strength in the study of psychology, organizations, and economic sociology.  The program is broken down into two broad subareas: Macro Organizational Behavior and Micro Organizational Behavior .

Cross-registration in courses, access to faculty, and participation in colloquia are available in other Stanford departments, such as sociology and psychology . Strong relations with these departments mean that students can build their careers on the foundation of strong disciplinary training in psychology and sociology, respectively.

A small number of students are accepted into the program each year, with a total of about 20 organizational behavior students in residence.

The doctoral program places a heavy emphasis on training students through active engagement in the process of doing research. In addition to formal seminars with invited presenters, our faculty and students exchange research ideas and advice at informal weekly lunches and lab meetings. Students work as research assistants and are expected to conduct independent research early in the program. 

Preparation and Qualifications

All students are required to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skills at the level of one course each of calculus and linear algebra, probability, and mathematical statistics.

Macro Organizational Behavior: Organizational Theory and Economic Sociology

The Macro OB track is dedicated to training students who will be leading researchers in the fields of organizational theory and economic sociology. Our faculty members are among the foremost scholars who bring a sociological approach to the study of organizations and markets , and they are especially active in the fast-developing field of computational social science. They use and teach a variety of research methods such as social network analysis, natural language processing, agent-based modeling, and online group experiments.

Our area has trained students to study a range of topics:

• Organizational culture and its dynamics
• The dynamics of change in organizations
• Social networks and the diffusion of ideas or beliefs within them
• The role of identity and categories in organizational processes
• Social movements and their influence on firms and markets
• Firm strategies and the effects of long-run histories of strategic interaction
• Organizational learning processes
• Entrepreneurship and firm formation processes
• The impact of workforce demographic change and labor market inequality

Micro Organizational Behavior

The study of how individuals and groups affect and are affected by organizational context. Drawing primarily on psychological approaches to social science questions, this area includes such topics as:

• Decision-making
• Moral judgment
• Social norms
• Negotiation and bargaining
• Cooperation and altruism
• Group processes
• Stereotyping and injustice
• Personality
• Power, status and influence

There is also a formal institutional link between the behavioral side of marketing and the micro side of organizational behavior, which is called the Behavioral Interest Group. The Stanford GSB Behavioral Lab links members of this group. This lab supports work across field boundaries among those with behavioral interests.

Macro Organizational Behavior Faculty

William p. barnett, robert a. burgelman, glenn r. carroll, julien clement, amir goldberg, helena miton, hayagreeva rao, sarah a. soule, jesper b. sørensen, micro organizational behavior faculty, justin m. berg, jennifer eberhardt, francis j. flynn, michele j. gelfand, deborah h. gruenfeld, michal kosinski, brian s. lowery, ashley martin, david melnikoff, dale t. miller, benoît monin, jeffrey pfeffer, charles a. o’reilly, emeriti faculty, michael t. hannan, roderick m. kramer, joanne martin, margaret ann neale, jerry i. porras, recent publications in organizational behavior, organizational culture archetypes and firm performance, fading corporate survival prospects: impact of co-selection bias in resource allocation on strategic intent, observers of social media discussions about racial discrimination condemn denial but also adopt it, recent insights by stanford business, a little “humorbragging” could help you land your next job, office confidential: keeping secrets at work can be a lonely job, your summer 2024 podcast playlist.

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2024-25 General Bulletin

Organizational Behavior, PhD

Degree:  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Field of Study:  Organizational Behavior

Program Overview

Weatherhead School of Management's PhD in Organizational Behavior was the first of its kind. Graduating our first PhD students in 1964, our department set the standard for universities worldwide. United by a passion for generating new knowledge of enduring consequence through scholarly research, inquiry and writing, as well as deeply reflective practice, doctoral students study in a department consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Recipients of our PhD in organizational behavior have taken positions in leading universities and research institutions such as the London School of Business, Columbia University, Stanford University and the Naval Post-Graduate School.

Organizational behavior is a vital and growing field of knowledge that is concerned with human and developmental processes across levels of analysis from individuals and groups through organizations, inter-organizational systems and societies. The academic roots of the field span the disciplines of individual and social psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science and social philosophy. Organizational behavior situates the knowledge and tools of those disciplines in the context of the human dimensions of organizational life.

We approach the study of organizational behavior from the perspective of human possibility, with a special concern for the dynamics and processes of development and for creating new knowledge of individual, group and organizational processes of learning, development and transformation.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Our mission is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to: conduct the highest quality research and teaching in the field and sub-fields of organizational behavior and become leading scholars in careers as researchers and educators at the top levels of their specializations and in high-impact areas of society.

Our vision is clear: to be a world-class center of doctoral education, known for our bold ideas, our powerful learning community and our commitment to value-driven knowledge for the betterment of organizations and the greater good. All of this is in clear and strong alignment with the aim of the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University "to develop transformational ideas and outstanding leaders for the betterment of business and society," and through this environment to have a transformational impact on all who teach, learn, discover and work here, so they are prepared and engaged to advance knowledge and serve humanity.

The philosophy of the  Organizational Behavior Department  is rooted in human values. These values guide our behavior as we strive to enhance research, learning and academic excellence amidst the demands and complexities of everyday life. They also reflect the spirit of connectedness among us that gives life to the doctoral learning community as a whole. The following guiding ideas represent our aspirations and our community at our best:

Knowledge of consequence

Methodological rigor and variety

A community of inquiry

A deep value for diversity and inclusion

Whole person development

The life of the mind

Academic innovation and excellence

Learning Outcomes

• Students acquire the knowledge, skills and professional values needed to conduct the highest quality research in the fields and subfields of organizational behavior and management
• Students are leading scholars in careers as educators at the top levels of their specialization and in high-impact areas of society

Goals of the Program

Our educational goals are to prepare PhD students to:

Obtain a doctoral-level foundation in academic areas pertinent to organizational behavior, from the micro to the macro. This interdisciplinary course of study covers key social science domains such as psychology, sociology, learning theory, organization theory, living systems theory, management science and the organizational dimensions of global sustainability and change.

Master and triangulate rigorous qualitative, quantitative and action-research methodologies in the quest for deep and comprehensive understanding. 

Develop a high level of professional creativity and interpersonal competence, as well as a foundation of professional values and ethics enabling the pursuit of research and teaching in the field, including the facilitation and design of contexts for human development and self-reflective learning, organization development and larger-system transformative change.

PhD Policies

For PhD policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Our doctoral program is structured to resonate with our department’s mission of developing world-class researchers and educators interested in doing high-quality academic work of enduring consequence. Hence our program and course requirements encourage continual development of reading, writing, research methods, statistical skills and relational skills to help students effectively study and communicate their ideas. Coursework is completed in the first two years of the program, as follows:

The PhD in organizational behavior program is designed for full-time, year-round engagement. Although some students may take less or more time to complete the program, it is generally completed in four to five years.

Each semester during the first two years, students participate in the ORBH Dynamic Modules, which are a series of short courses, each meeting once a week for five weeks. These Modules are designed to introduce the knowledge bases and key research of organizational behavior and related fields as well as share the current research interests of the department’s faculty.

Students also participate each semester in the ORBH Research Seminar which is designed to create and sustain an intellectually nourishing and appreciative learning space for the entire community. The ORBH Research Seminar is required for both the first- and second-year cohort groups. It includes gatherings of the department’s learning community of doctoral students and faculty. It provides a forum for discussion and advancement of ongoing research and scholarship through preparation and presentation of Integrative Scholarship Papers, Qualifying Papers, Dissertation Proposals and Dissertation Defenses. Thus the ORBH Research Seminar is a department-wide platform for developing productive and collaborative research relationships and for increasing collective knowledge of the current state of organizational behavior and related fields.

Research Requirements and Deliverables

The coursework is delineated for the first two years of the PhD. This provides a strong theoretical foundation for conducting future research. Other program requirements include the following:

Integrative Scholarship Paper

By the end of the spring semester of the first year, each doctoral student is required to complete an Integrative Scholarship Paper (ISP). This is a critical review and integration of the literature about a topic or problem of interest. It can be thought of as a report on the current state of the scholarly conversation about the topic, encompassing historical perspectives on the evolution of the scholarly conversation to date, an examination of how the topic is approached by different disciplines or schools of thought, theoretical propositions and suggestions for future research. The ISP is reviewed by the faculty advisor and a faculty reader, and upon approval is included in the department’s working paper series. Beyond the first year, students are expected to work with their faculty adviser and others to submit their ISPs for consideration for conference presentation and journal publication during their second and subsequent years of the doctoral program.

Qualifying Paper

During the summer of their second year in the doctoral program, students complete a Qualifying Paper. Generally, this is an initial empirical investigation or meta-analysis of the topic of choice. The student is expected to form a committee, headed by a faculty advisor of the student’s own choosing and two other departmental faculty members who guide the research. Often understood as a mini-thesis or pilot study, the student is expected to produce an in-depth analysis of the research question explored through a relevant method of inquiry. Students are expected to submit their qualifying paper for consideration for conference presentation and journal publication during their third and subsequent years of the doctoral program.

Dissertation

Doctoral students undertake dissertation research after completion of their qualifying paper. Each student forms a committee, consisting of three departmental faculty members (one of whom will be the committee chair) and one faculty member from outside the department but within the university, to guide the research conducted. An original and significant endeavor, the dissertation includes a detailed review of the chosen topic, relevant research questions, research methods, findings obtained and an analysis of their implications.

Though all three deliverables (the ISP, Qualifying Paper and Dissertation) may optimally flow within a single stream of inquiry, the student is free to choose a different topic of interest for each.

Sample Plan of Study

Students take three ORBH Dynamic Modules each semester.

If MGMT 643 is taken in spring, a capstone can be taken as part of MGMT 649 .

Elective/Independent study optional.

Independent study.

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• Harvard Business School →
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Organizational Behavior

• Technology & Operations Management
• Program Requirements

Scholars in the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School are prepared to pursue an interdisciplinary inquiry into issues that are broadly related to the functioning of individuals within groups, at either the micro or macro level. Graduates of our program go on to become the leading researchers and thinkers in organizational behavior, shaping the field and advancing theoretical understanding in posts at schools of management or in disciplinary departments.

The Organizational Behavior program is jointly administered by the faculty of Harvard Business School and the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our program offers two distinct tracks, with research focused either on the micro or macro level. Students who choose to focus on micro organizational behavior take a psychological approach to the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and groups, and the effects that groups have on individuals. In macro organizational behavior, scholars use sociological methods to examine the organizations, groups, and markets themselves, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives.

Your core disciplinary training will take place in either the psychology or sociology departments, depending on the track that you choose. You will also conduct advanced coursework in organizational behavior at HBS, and complete two MBA elective curriculum courses. Students are required to teach for one full academic term in order to gain valuable teaching experience, and to work as an apprentice to a faculty member to develop research skills. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare and present a dossier that includes a qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement outlining a plan for their dissertation. Before beginning work on the dissertation, students must pass the Organizational Behavior Exam, which presents an opportunity to synthesize academic coursework and prepare for an in-depth research project.

Research & Dissertation

Examples of doctoral thesis research.

• Cross-group relations, stress, and the subsequent effect on performance
• Internal group dynamics of corporate boards of directors
• Organizational mission and its effect on commitment and effort
• Psychological tendencies and collaboration with dissimilar others

Aurora Turek

Justine Murray

Jaylon Sherrell

“ In HBS’s Organizational Behavior program I receive outstanding, rigorous training in disciplinary methods and also benefit from the myriad resources that HBS has to offer. HBS scholars are looking to apply their research to real-world problems, come up with interventions, and make a real difference. ”

Current Harvard Sociology & Psychology Faculty

• George A. Alvarez
• Mahzarin R. Banaji
• Jason Beckfield
• Lawrence D. Bobo
• Mary C. Brinton
• Joshua W. Buckholtz
• Randy L. Buckner
• Alfonso Caramazza
• Susan E. Carey
• Paul Y. Chang
• Mina Cikara
• Christina Ciocca Eller
• Christina Cross
• Fiery Cushman
• Frank Dobbin
• Samuel J. Gershman
• Daniel Gilbert
• Joshua D. Greene
• Jill M. Hooley
• Rakesh Khurana
• Alexandra Killewald
• Talia Konkle
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• PhD & research …
• MPhil in Strate…

The Organisatio…

• The Organisational Behaviour specialisation
• Curriculum overview
• The Marketing specialisation
• The Operations & Technology Management specialisation
• The Strategic Management specialisation
• Career impact
• Class profile

What is organisational behaviour?

Organisational Behaviour (OB) is an applied science aimed at understanding individuals and groups in organisations by drawing from various related disciplines such as social and organisational psychology, behavioural economics and management. OB researchers adopt a micro-perspective, looking into individual psychology and behaviour as well as group processes and emergent states, to understand how they contribute to organisational success and survival. The OB research at Cambridge Judge Business School encompasses a range of topics, including creativity, innovation, psychometrics, big data, the future of work, human-AI (artificial intelligence) collaboration, personality, diversity, decision-making, social networking, culture, helping behaviours, and voice behaviour. These subjects should be familiar and relevant to any individuals working within organisations.

The faculty at Cambridge Judge Business School comprises leading scholars in the world. They publish in various top journals, such as the Academy of Management Journal, Administrative Science Quarterly, Organization Science, the Journal of Applied Psychology, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, and the Academy of Management Annals. They currently hold leadership positions in these prestigious journals, such as Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editor, Consulting Editor, and membership on Editorial Boards.

The OB specialisation of the MPhil in Strategy, Marketing, Operations and Organisational Behaviour is an important part of the Organisational Behaviour PhD pathway .

Learn more about our supervising faculty’s research interests

Prithviraj Chattopadhyay

Professor in organisational behaviour, read more about prithviraj.

About Prithviraj’s research

Professor Chattopadhyay’s research mainly focuses on how team members react to working with teammates who differ on demographic attributes such as race or ethnicity, sex, education, profession, work status and age. Past projects have used a quantitative approach to examine how team dynamics associated with demographic dissimilarity, social identification and status affect team member trust, citizenship, emotions and the extent to which they wield influence in the team. He has served as Associate Editor of the Academy of Management Journal (2016-2019) and is currently Associate Editor of the Academy of Management Discoveries.

Alberto Feduzi

Professor in management practice, read more about alberto.

About Alberto’s research

Dr Feduzi’s interests include individual, strategic and organisational decision-making under uncertainty, understanding and managing unknown unknowns and Black Swans, innovation and entrepreneurial behaviour, and behavioural strategy.

View profile

Elizabeth George

Kpmg professor in organisational behaviour, read more about elizabeth.

About Elizabeth’s research

Professor Elizabeth George has 2 main research interests. The first is the consequences of alternative or non-standard work arrangements on the work experiences of individuals. She focuses on how individuals make sense of different types of temporary work or remote, and consequences of this for individuals and organisations. The second area she is working on is how dissimilarity between individuals affects how they view themselves and others at work. In both research areas she is interested how individuals’ views of work arrangements and dissimilarity change over time. She is currently Editor-in-Chief of the Academy of Management Annals.

Yeun Joon Kim

Associate professor in organisational behaviour, read more about yeun joon.

About Yeun’s research

Dr Yeun Joon Kim’s research focuses on creativity, culture creation, and artificial intelligence (AI). In his work on creativity, Dr Kim explores how work-relevant information, such as feedback and information structure, impacts employee creativity. In the area of culture creation, he investigates why leaders often fail to create functional cultures and how organisations can create functional cultures. His interest in AI centres on human-AI collaboration. Specifically, he investigates the kinds of people who would benefit the most from collaborating with AI, and whether such collaboration has an impact on human psychology. Dr Kim has published academic articles in diverse academic outlets, such as the Academy of Management Journal, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, and the Journal of Management. He currently serves on Editorial Board of the Academy of Management Journal.

Andreas Richter

Professor of organisational behaviour, read more about andreas.

About Andreas’ research

Professor Richter’s research interests include creativity and innovation in teams, team processes and dynamics. Within these broader themes, he is particularly interested in how perceptions of time and temporal dynamics affect creativity and innovation. He applies a variety of research methods in his studies, including surveys and interviews, experiments, and meta-analysis. Andreas has previously served as Associate Editor for Applied Psychology: And International Review, and currently serves as Consulting Editor for the Journal of Applied Psychology, as well as on the editorial board of the Academy of Management Journal. Prior to joining Cambridge Judge, he worked for Instituto de Empresa Business School.

David Stillwell

Professor of computational social science, academic director of the psychometrics centre, read more about david.

About David’s research

Professor Stillwell’s research uses big data to understand psychology. He published papers using social media data from millions of consenting individuals to show that the computer can predict a user’s personality as accurately as their spouse can. Follow-up research found that personalising an advert to the recipient’s psychology is more effective than generic ads. Given that a large part of our lives is mediated through digital devices which collect big data about us, how can we use this data to better understand customers, employees or managers from behavioural traces like their social media activity, emails, or purchase records?

Patrizia Vecchi

Assistant professor in organisational behaviour, read more about patrizia.

About Patrizia’s research

Dr Vecchi’s research interests include interpersonal relationships in organisations, social networks, interpersonal cognition, and teamwork. She taught professionals and executives around the world in topics such as negotiation, and power and politics. She is currently the Academic Programme Director for the Cambridge Rising Women Leaders Programme.

By default, a student on the Organisational Behaviour specialisation of the MPhil in Strategy, Marketing, Operations and Organisational Behaviour writes a dissertation, and takes 6 modules, of which the 5 below are core modules:

Core modules

This research seminar helps you understand a variety of cutting-edge topics in organisational behaviour (OB). The overarching question we try to address is how these topics relate to individual, group and organisational effectiveness. Specifically, the course covers the following content areas:

• making a theoretical contribution to OB
• personality and values
• affect and cognition
• artificial intelligence and its applications to organisational behaviour

The objectives of this course are to familiarise you with classic and current articles that have shaped the field of organisational behaviour and to prepare you to develop and conduct organisational behaviour research yourself.

Econometrics I

This is the first in the sequence of Econometrics modules designed for Research MPhil students who intend to use econometric methods in their PhD research at Cambridge Judge Business School. It is taught in Michaelmas term.

This introductory module develops your capability in using linear regression and associated statistical techniques to examine causal relationships from primarily cross-sectional, observational data. By the end of the module you will be able to specify, estimate, test, interpret, and critically evaluate single equation regression models, with applications in subject areas of management, finance, and business economics.

Econometrics II

To carry out empirical research that has the potential to make an original contribution to knowledge in management, finance, business economics and similar fields, it is necessary to exploit the richness and structure of longitudinal as well as cross-sectional, individual-level data. It is necessary to become competent in an array of micro-econometric techniques that help researchers to build into the design of their studies, a variety of complexities (in decision-making, for example) and also compensate for partial observability that is inherent in available data.

This module introduces you to research-level micro-econometric methods. It provides the background required to confidently choose techniques and methods suited to different types of data-sources and models. The focus is on how applied techniques relate to theory, on the insights that can be drawn from their application, and critical interpretation and appraisal of results.

You must have taken the Econometrics I course to take this course.

Organisational Research Methods I & II (biennial content)

This course helps you understand a variety of predominantly quantitative research methods, as well as their embeddedness within various research designs. The course is divided into 2 independent content blocks, parts I and II, and is designed in such a way that part II can be attended without having attended part I previously. Upon completion you’ll have a good understanding of various research methods commonly used in management research, and will have applied this knowledge to your own research project.

Specifically, the course covers the following content areas, among others:

• research design
• experimental and quasi-experimental design
• survey design and analysis
• mediation and moderation
• multilevel design and analysis
• social network design and analysis
• big data research design and analysis
• meta-analysis

The course increases your understanding of organisational research methods and your sensitivity to the practical problems in conducting organisational research, and enables you to apply organisational research methods to your own research projects and interests.

One of the following 2 courses, depending on year:

Seminar in Strategy Content (biennial)

This course provides a foundational survey of the key theories, puzzles, and empirical contributions in strategic management. These include the relationship between different strategies and the resource and capability bundles firms develop, strategic positions they create, and their financial performance and competitive advantage. The course gives attention to how decision makers operate at the upper echelons, such CEOs, executive teams, and boards of directors, and how they shape the firm’s strategic choices. The course also covers substantive research on the changes to competitive and corporate strategies undertaken by firms in connection with the disruptions in the environment.  The course involves active student participation and discussions in a stimulating class environment and the critiques of seminal classic contributions and latest research in key strategy topics. It also involves you developing your own research ideas and learning to communicate them effectively. The focus of the module is on developing you for a scholarly research career.

Seminar in Strategy Process (biennial)

This course surveys the major theoretical perspectives and empirical studies in strategic management research, particularly as it relates to the underlying strategic and organisational processes.

Strategic management is currently one of the liveliest areas in all of the social sciences, in part because of the importance of understanding how to best position organisations and get ahead of competition and in part because of the challenges to traditional theory that have emerged over the past 20 years. Strategy deals with charting the future directions of the firm and implementing these directions to maximise the long-term profits. Accordingly, strategic management and processes address the resources, capabilities and strategic positioning of the firm to create and sustain competitive advantage as well as the psychological and social challenges in implementing organisations’ strategies.

The elective modules for the Organisational Behaviour specialisation of the MPhil in Strategy, Marketing, Operations and Organisational Behaviour are:

Fundamentals of Competitive Markets

You are introduced to the foundations necessary to conduct research in the 3 areas of marketing, operations and technology management, and finance, with a view to developing your own skills as researchers in these areas and in business in general. This course covers standard models of:

• individual choice under certainty and uncertainty
• production theory
• general equilibrium
• monopoly pricing, price discrimination
• information economics
• behavioural economics

The course gives you some fundamental knowledge of competitive markets, enabling you to leverage your course knowledge to do original research and write papers in your chosen field of research in a business school.

Organisations & Strategic Innovation

This course covers key theories in the field of strategy, innovation and organisations. We discuss the foundational theories, central debates and key readings that help us understand organisations and their strategies to survive and innovate through both technological and managerial innovations. Discussions include why managers adopt particular courses of action, how innovation is fostered, how are new markets created and how is strategy formulated. The field of innovation, strategy and organisations is inherently interdisciplinary, and so is this course. Accordingly, we not only discuss the underpinnings of research in innovation, strategy and organisations but also a host of related questions that have since become significant to understanding this body of research. The course is based around intensive seminar-based sessions. The format is group debates around contrasting perspectives related to the readings. The course enables you to critically interpret, analyse and problematise scholarly material and develop an understanding of how to make theoretical contributions in the field.

Organisation Theory

This course focuses on the foundational theories, central debates and key texts that help us conceptualise organisational dynamics. It provides you with advanced reading, writing and interpretation skills relating to, for example, organisational identity, organisational control and theories of entrepreneurship. It is based around intensive seminar-based sessions in which key articles are closely read and discussed. Having completed the course, you will be equipped to interpret and problematise scholarly material relating to the organisation of innovation in a creative and critical manner.

Marketing Strategy

This course is a survey of 3 distinct yet related areas: marketing, innovation and emerging economies. Marketing is the study of the interaction between organisations and markets. Innovation is the study of the commercial exploitation by organisations of new ideas. Emerging economies, such as India and China, are the big economic phenomenon of the contemporary global scene and the theatre in which new opportunities for marketing and innovation are unfolding in real time. This course takes a strategic perspective on these topics, viewing them all from the perspective of the firm and its performance.

Qualitative Research Methods

This course focuses on 3 elements of qualitative research methodology:

• research philosophy, in which you are introduced to some basic philosophical concepts and tools – particularly in the area of epistemology
• qualitative research methods, where we look at the principal types of qualitative data used in management research and the practical and epistemological issues associated with their collection, analysis and use
• research design, in which you will come to understand the links between theory, methodology and choice of research techniques; the principles and practice of research design and data access and collection using experiment, observation, interviews, surveys and archival and database retrieval; and issues of research validity, reliability, bias and ethics

Information Systems, Innovation & Organisational Change

This course focuses on some key theories and central debates that help us conceptualise the relationship between information systems, innovation, and strategic change. The main texts will draw from information systems, sociology, sociology of technology, and organisation theory. The course examines 3 key themes:

• the role of new information technologies in processes of innovation and strategic change within and between industries
• the role of information systems in enabling innovative work practices and the organisational issues involved in implementing and using technological innovations
• the relationship between information technology and processes of globalisation

Further Econometrics: Time Series

In a large number of empirical contexts in finance and management, data are temporarily ordered in the form of time series. The Time Series Econometrics module introduces you to concepts and methods that are appropriate for empirical research in such settings, covering methods for exploratory time series analysis, estimation of dynamic causal effects and forecasting.

Behavioural Economics

Taught by the Faculty of Economics.

This course offers an introduction to the behavioural approach to economics. Among the topic covered are behavioural game theory, intertemporal decision making, neuroeconomics, cognitive biases, decision-making heuristics and addiction. The course includes both theoretical and empirical material, but a recurring theme is the importance of experimental findings both in the laboratory and in the field.

Economics of Networks

The course introduces students to the economics of networks. This area of research has emerged in the last two decades and it has introduced a set of tools for economists to incorporate network structure in the analysis of individual behaviour and economic outcomes. Topics covered include the formation of networks, the provision of local public goods, coordination, learning, trading, and financial networks. A central focus of the course is the interplay between theory and experiments.

Industrial Organisation

The Industrial Organisation course provides a rigorous treatment of the main concepts in industrial organisation. The course covers both theory and applications.

Development Economics

This course is on development economics and deals with the economic problems of poor countries. It considers some of the main theoretical and analytical issues in development economics as well as the historical development process of now-developed countries. The topics covered are growth, development, poverty, inequality, education, technology, innovation, mutual insurance, finance, savings, weather, climate, health, pandemics, representative democracy, religion, social capital and conflict.

Offered biennially:

Game Theory & Information Economics (biennial)

This course is for students who wish to pursue a research career in a business school and consists of a mix of lectures and seminar-based sessions in which you read, analyse and comment on selected papers. Following the course, you’ll be able to leverage your course knowledge to do original research and write papers in your chosen field of research.

Topics covered include:

• modelling strategic interactions
• iterated dominance and rationalisability
• Nash equilibrium
• application: imperfect competition
• mixed strategies
• extensive form and Nash equilibrium
• subgame perfect equilibrium
• application: product differentiation
• repeated games and one-step deviation
• Bayesian Nash equilibrium
• perfect Bayesian equilibrium

Quantitative Marketing (biennial)

This seminar-based module is an overview of quantitative modelling approaches to research on marketing problems. Three major areas are covered:

• empirical modelling (econometrics)
• analytical modelling (game theory/industrial organisation)
• experimental economics/behavioural game theory

In each session you’re required to read, analyse and comment on selected papers surrounding the key themes of that session. At least half of every session will be devoted to student presentations and group discussion. Having completed the module, you’ll possess some basic knowledge of quantitative modelling in marketing. You’ll also be able to leverage your course experience to develop an in-depth understanding of relevant topics for a research career at a business school.

Consumer Behaviour (biennial)

This seminar-based module is an overview of issues related to consumer behaviour research in marketing. The module includes readings on marketing research as well as cognate home disciplines such as psychology and behavioural economics. 2 major areas are covered:

• the information processing perspective
• the behavioural decision perspective

In each session you’re required to read, analyse and comment on selected papers surrounding the key themes of that session. At least half of every session will be devoted to student presentations and group discussion. Having completed the module, you’ll possess some basic knowledge that will help you appreciate and conduct consumer behaviour research. You’ll also be able to leverage your learning experience to develop an in-depth understanding of relevant topics for a research career at a business school.

Field Research in an Era of Grand Challenges (biennial)

This course critically examines research that has been conducted in unconventional contexts and that investigates grand challenges, eg poverty, inequality, conflict and climate change. The major themes that are explored include gaining access to novel and unconventional research sites, field-level ethical and moral issues when investigating grand challenges, novel research methods, eg online/digital ethnography, the researcher-practitioner interface, theorising from data gathered from unconventional contexts, and publishing research conducted in novel and unconventional contexts and that investigates grand challenges.

Strategic Organising for Digital & Social Innovation (biennial)

This course examines critical issues concerning digital and social innovation for organisations and the wider society. The module focuses on theories from organisation theory, IS, innovation and management to conceptualise digital and social innovation. Their role in enabling opportunities is discussed as well as the unexpected consequences of innovation for different industries and societies.

Individual Research Project

This module is designed for you to conduct individual research under the supervision of SMOOB faculty members. Research projects can consist of a thorough literature review related to a specific research question, an in-depth critique of published papers, or a specific application of a research methodology (such as a pilot study on the basis of limited data). Our goal is to familiarise you with the faculty members’ current research and bring you closer to the frontier of knowledge. The module can prepare you for the individual research that you will undertake in PhD studies, and can indeed become the starting point of future PhD research.

Students who do not write an MPhil dissertation may, after consultation with the programme director, take nine modules in total and will need to replace one of the elective modules with an individual research project.

Learn more about the application process and deadlines

Explore fees and funding options

Contact the admissions team

Management (Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour) PhD Opportunities

In this PhD programme, you will undertake original research that is timely and business relevant in the area of Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour .

At a glance

• Benefit from a dynamic research environment and dedicated support
• Join postgraduate research students from all over the world
• Engage with executive leaders and the practitioner community
• Programme features personal development modules and workshops
• Research driven by a number of leading centres within the department

As a postgraduate research student at Henley, you will develop your critical thinking, intellectual capacity and creativity. In this PhD programme, you will join students from all over the world. You will also benefit from a dynamic research environment and outstanding facilities.

Our faculty continuously publishes in internationally well-known and highly rated journals. This includes the Academy of Management Learning and Education , the Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal , the British Journal of Management , the British Journal of Sociology , the Cambridge Journal of Economics , Group and Organization Management , the International Journal of Management Reviews , the Journal of Organizational Behaviour , the Leadership Quarterly , Organization Science , Organization Studies and the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal.

Faculty have also published books with the following imprints: Routledge, Sage, JAI Press, Edward Elgar and Harvard Business Review Press.

Please note that the Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour PhD programme does not offer a start date outside of September. You are expected to join us full-time. It is only in exceptional circumstances that we offer part-time or distance learning PhDs. If necessary, for your training, you may be required to come to the University earlier to attend some preparatory courses.

Course structure Open

The module descriptions set out on this page are correct for modules being taught in the current academic year. Optional module listings are indicative and may be subject to change.

Year One : You will have to attend modules examined according to Henley Business School rules. These modules include research methods and other areas required for your area of concentration

Confirmation of Registration : In the middle of your second year, you will present and defend your fully developed research proposal, consisting of a substantive document of around 10,000 words

Years Two and Three : The remaining part of your PhD studies will be devoted to complete your thesis before your viva examination. The maximum amount of time you are allowed before the viva examination is four years of full-time study.

During your first year of studies, you will be required to:

• Attend and obtain at least 60 credits from PhD/Masters level modules in research methods and other relevant areas (see below)
• Attend some short courses (2-3 hours each) required for the Reading Researcher Development Programme at the Doctoral and Researcher College (overseeing PhD studies within the University of Reading)
• Attend the Preparing to Teach training programme (which is necessary to be able to complete any teaching-related activities within Henley Business School)
• Participate in weekly research seminars organised by your department and others relevant to your area of interest
• Hold regular meetings with your supervisor(s).

Required taught component

All LOB first year students are expected to take the following modules:

A 20 credit module focusing on literature review – generally we recommend Introduction to Thesis Literature Review (MMD001), but Understanding Management and Financial Research (ICM116) is an acceptable alternative for students looking to focus on quantitative stream A 20 credit module in Advanced Qualitative Methods (MMD002), blended with the Advancing Academic Practice Programme A 20 credit module Pedagogy Seminar (MMD012)

If you are interested in the module description form containing the overall learning outcomes and description of the modules, please visit this link (click on the most recent academic year and then on Henley Business School; modules are listed by code in alphabetical order).

After 15 to 18 months from the start of your PhD you will submit a substantive research proposal of approximately 10,000 words that will be defended in front of faculty members and/or assessed by independent examiners. This process will coincide with your confirmation of registration and, if successful, it will grant you the status of PhD candidate.

The research proposal will be a significant development of the initial proposal you submitted for your application. It will include material you may have produced during the first year modules in research methods (e.g. literature review, methodologies, data description). If you plan to do a PhD thesis combining three papers, you are expected to include a draft of the first paper in your research proposal. Alternatively, if you intend to use a book-like structure for your thesis, the document should include the draft of at least one of the three/four key chapters.

Years Two and Three

During your second and third years, PhD students are expected to:

• Continue to work on your PhD dissertation drafting the other two papers/key chapters;
• Hold regular meetings with your supervisor(s)
• Attend some short courses (2-3 hours each) required for the Reading Researcher Development Programme at the Doctoral and Researcher College
• Contribute to departmental teaching/research activities and events
• Present posters/papers at national/international conferences.

Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

Fees & funding Open

For fees, please visit the Doctoral and Researcher College website .

Overseas applicants should refer to the non-laboratory based fees listed in the tables (International Band 1 for non UK/Home students).

PhD funding

Up to two postgraduate studentships, each covering full course fees and a stipend, are available for outstanding applicants wanting to conduct full-time postgraduate research in the research areas listed below.

These awards are offered on an annual basis and are renewable at the end of each year, subject to satisfactory performance, for up to three years. In particular, we are looking for PhD candidates with excellent potential in the areas of entrepreneurship, social and organisation studies, moral agency and business ethics and leadership and non-market related strategies. Students with an interest in these thematic areas within our research centres are invited to apply.

There are six additional studentships, which all Henley Business School PhD applicants studying full-time are eligible for, available through the Henley Business School streams initiatives. Stream A covers three studentships in the areas of Africa , the World of Work and ethics and sustainability , whilst stream B covers all other research projects. The application process is handled by the department of Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour's Postgraduate Research Director, who will nominate the best applicants for review by the Henley Business School Postgraduate Research Director.

Further PhD funding options:

• Wilkie Calvert Scheme: This funding is available for PhD applicants that are undertaking research on a part-time basis, with their research being of strategic importance to their employer. For further information, please visit the Doctoral and Researcher College website
• International PhD studentships: This funding is available for PhD applicants from outside the UK. For further information, please visit the Doctoral and Researcher College website
• Regional PhD bursaries: This funding is available for PhD applicants that are residents of Reading and the surrounding area. The scheme is not open to students who have already started their study at the University of Reading. For further information, please visit the Doctoral and Researcher College website
• Graduate: If you have already studied at the University of Reading or Henley Business School you will be eligible for the alumni fee discount
• South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc): This funding is available for PhD applicants with a focus on research in the areas of living sustainably healthy, thriving communities, inclusive economic growth, secure, effective and trusted institutions and transformative technologies for society and is offered by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). For further information, please visit the Doctoral and Researcher College website
• China Scholarship Council: This funding is available for Chinese applicants that are permanent residents in China at the time of applying. For further information, please visit the Doctoral and Researcher College website
• Other: For information on further opportunities, please see the find funding section on the University website and the additional options outlined on the Doctoral and Researcher College website .

Important information for applicants for studentships

We offer PhD scholarships covering fees and stipend for up to three years, awarded on the basis of outstanding academic merit to the applicants with the highest quality research proposals.

Applicants for studentships are expected to have obtained or be expecting to obtain a Distinction in their Masters degree and in their Masters thesis. MBAs are not considered. Applications for studentships are very competitive and students are further assessed on their ability to speak and communicate in English, as part of the duties of studentship holders are to engage in teaching assistant duties (up to six hours per week) from their second year in the programme.

Applicants that are considered for the studentship will need to go through an interview with the Postgraduate Research Director for the department of Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour.

Studentship applications for the 2024/5 academic year have now closed. Studentship applications for the 2025/26 academic year are open and will close on 13 March 2025. Applicants who apply before this date will have their applications considered and those with the strongest research proposals will be invited to interview.

For further information on studentship requirements please contact the postgraduate research administrator for Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour.

Current scholarships

Leadership, organisations & behaviour scholarship, entry requirements open.

Applications for the 2024/25 academic year are closed. Applications for the 2025/26 academic year are open and due to close on 30 June 2025.

The key requirements for a successful application are:

• Top grades in your Masters degree (minimum requirement is Merit or equivalent, but we prefer Distinction)
• Top grade in your Masters Dissertation (or equivalent research-based piece of work) because this may show your research attitude and skills
• A well-developed research proposal of at least 6-7 pages where you identify the motivation of your study, place it within relevant literature highlighting the current gap and potential research questions, state your intended methodology and show understanding of the data (if any) necessary to accomplish your study and relevant sources (which will also reveal the feasibility of your study)
• A reasonable intended timeline, reflecting issues you may encounter in the study as presented above (for example, if you have to collect primary data, the time spent on data collection will be much longer than the one you would spend if you intend to use secondary data sources)
• English requirements for applicants whose first language is not English, with the expectation of obtaining either an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 (with no element below 6.0), a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) online test score of 100 (and no less than 20 in Listening, Writing and Reading and no less than 21 in Speaking), or a Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) at the University of Reading with a score of 7.0 (with no element less than 6.0). For all other equivalent score requirements in our accepted English Language tests, please visit the University website .

Applying for a PhD

The process for applying does not follow a linear path that is identical for every student, but the basic steps are as follows:

• Write a research proposal outlining the topic you wish to research. We strongly recommend that you read our guide on writing a research proposal.
• Choose an academic member of staff, listed under Teaching Staff, that has a similar area of research to your research proposal's focus. You can then send your research proposal to them for comment.
• If the academic in question is interested, they will get back in touch with you. It is likely that they will have some questions or suggestions for improving your research proposal. Please note that if you do not receive a response you must not send your research proposal to all other academics.
• If the academic is satisfied with the proposal you will be invited to apply. Please note that you can apply before this, but until you have the support of an academic supervisor you will not be able to complete the process.
• Apply by clicking the 'Apply Now' button at the top of this page. Please note that we only accept PhD students starting their studies in September at the start of semester one.
• A shortlisting decision will be made, based on the documents you uploaded in your application.
• If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to a formal interview to assess your suitability to pursue a PhD at Henley Business School.

Careers, accreditation & progression Open

How can henley careers work with you.

We have an award-winning careers team here to support you through your time at Henley and four years after graduating.

Henley Careers and Professional Development run numerous events throughout semester one and semester two in order to help you gain industry experience. These events are aimed to enhance your professional development and network with employers. We also offer one-to-one career coaching appointments where you can talk to a Careers Consultant about your professional development. This may include planning your ideal career journey or building confidence in a particular area. It could also involve practicing for interviews or having your CV checked.

Continuing your career

A PhD in the area of Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour can open doors to a successful career in academia and other organisations. This includes large multinationals, leading consulting firms, governmental advisory roles and non-governmental organisations worldwide.

What our students have gone on to do

Our PhD graduates have gone on to take up academic positions at institutions such as Henley Business School, the University of Nottingham and the University of Central London in the UK and Kuwait University, the Australian National University and Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University worldwide.

Research areas Open

Henley Business School’s research in the School of Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour is driven through the following leading centres: Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship, the Centre for Business Ethics and Sustainability, the Centre for Euro-Asian Studies, Henley Centre for Leadership, the Centre for China Management and Global Business and Henley Centre for Coaching. Many of our research centres have active membership from a wide range of international leading companies providing plenty of opportunity to engage with executive leaders and the practitioner community.

We welcome applicants seeking to conduct full-time postgraduate research in the following fields:

Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship

• Female entrepreneurship trends and behaviours; barriers to growth and emerging markets
• Family business succession within medium to large firms in different countries
• Innovation, knowledge spillovers and creativity
• Regional entrepreneurship, ecosystems and institutions
• Regional economic development and entrepreneurship
• Global mobility of entrepreneurs
• Indigenous leadership and entrepreneurship in Chinese overseas subsidiaries
• Historical approaches to entrepreneurship, with specific reference to the historic evolution of entrepreneurship in the pharmaceutical, retailing and food sectors
• Entrepreneurship in the creative industries
• Networks and clusters
• Patents and innovation
• Big data and data analytics for entrepreneurial decision-making
• Digital business models and digital entrepreneurship
• Artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship and management
• Industry 4.0 in manufacturing and services
• Corporate social responsibility and sustainability in entrepreneurial and/or family firms

Centre for Business Ethics and Sustainability

• Virtue and integrity theories applied to problems of governance and agency in business, society and critical approaches to management
• Cultural change (in particular industries, or in relation to the business and society relationship at large e.g. globalisation) and the nature of ethical issues arising for individuals and groups, both within organisations and in the organisation and society relationship
• Challenges of ethical pluralism and relativism in relation to context and stakeholder problems
• Morals and the limits of markets; challenges for the common good
• The role of ethics of dialogue in organisations and society; the nature of dialogic ethics and agency
• The role of businesses and international organisations in the development of universal humanistic and eco-centric ethics
• Philosophical topics in organisation studies (especially questions about the ontology of organisations)
• Proposals that use convention theory (sometimes called pragmatic sociology) and apply it to organisations
• Proposals on alternative ways of valuing and prioritisation in general, or with a specific focus on healthcare
• Any topics related to the philosophical foundations of economic thought
• Gender, race and class in the workplace
• Intersectional perspectives on employment and organisations
• Elites and professions
• Professional status and inequality regimes
• Critical perspectives on stress and well-being at work
• Critical perspectives on power in organisations
• Lacanian studies of organisational issues
• Management in cultural and creative organisations, particularly legitimisation strategies and relations within creative clusters

Henley Centre for Leadership

• Distributed leadership in complex professionalised settings and strategies to facilitate its emergence
• Project leadership change management
• Leadership development processes to enable women to access senior positions and break the glass ceiling
• Leadership dysfunction and its effect on organisational culture/wellbeing
• Team leadership, team dynamics and team effectiveness
• Leadership and the facilitation of innovation and creativity within teams
• Exploring organisational leadership capability
• Energising senior management teams
• Developing leadership capacity on the job
• Digital strategic leadership
• Transforming organisations and culture

Centre for Euro-Asian Studies

• Energy economics, with particular reference to oil and gas industries
• Local content policy in resource-rich countries
• Business and economic challenges in Eurasia
• Sustainable development in the Euro-Asian region

Centre for China Management and Global Business

• International entrepreneurship, regional development and institutional development
• Global talent mobility and expatriates
• Urbanisation and climate change
• Financial and banking systems
• Digital servitisation and ecosystems
• Delivery system design and servitization

Henley Centre for Coaching

• Conditions which need to be in place to make coaching effective with individuals and teams, including how best to train coaches
• Understanding what a coaching culture is and how to effectively manage a coaching culture within organisations, including ensuring the skill of coaches, the quality of coaching and the governance of coaching
• Outcomes can we expect from coaching and how can we evidence them
• How coaching can be used to further social justice and deliver equity, diversity and inclusion
• Use of technology to help us deliver effective coaching now and in the future

Teaching staff Open

Phd supervisors.

Below are a list of potential PhD supervisors that you will be able to contact.

Dr Adeyinka Adewale

Professor Kleio Akrivou

Dr Holly Andrews

Professor Maksim Belitski

Dr Matteo Borghi

Dr Sinem Bulkan

Professor Dorota Bourne

Dr Anlan Chen

Dr Can Ererdi

Dr Ana Graça

Dr Irina Heim

Dr Elizabeth Houldsworth

Professor Yelena Kalyuzhnova

Dr Rebecca Jones

Dr Marrisa Joseph

Dr Rifat Kamasak

Dr Olena Khlystova

Dr Selin Kudret

Professor Benjamin Laker

Dr Linghe Lei

Professor Marcello Mariani

Professor Jane McKenzie

Dr Fabio Goncalves de Oliveira

Dr Caroline Rook

Dr Tatiana Rowson

Dr Stephen Simister

Professor Bernd Vogel

For more information please contact Alex Baker.

“History, location and triple-accreditation led me to choose Henley to pursue my PhD. Grounded in the Thames Valley, I had the opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge being in contact with a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem of both academics & practitioners”

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Organizational Behavior

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Program Requirements

• Program Requirements →

Each candidate’s program of study will be developed in consultation with faculty advisors and the chair of the Policy and Admissions Committee. The normal program is outlined below.

The Policy and Admissions Committee designates faculty members at the Business School and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as sponsors to each student upon entrance into the organizational behavior program. The sponsors, in conjunction with the PhD Programs Offices, will assist the student in deciding which courses to take and how to fulfill various degree requirements. It is expected that students will establish relationships with other faculty members, and it is possible that the major academic advisory role may be assumed by different faculty members in the dissertation stage of a candidate’s program. However, students are strongly advised to consult with the sponsors and with the PhD Programs Offices during all stages of PhD work.

• Two term-length courses in foundations of psychology
• Two term-length graduate-level psychology courses
• One term-length graduate-level social sciences course
• Two term-length courses on sociological theory (Soc 204 and 208)
• Two term-length graduate-level sociology electives

Completion of two term-length organizational behavior courses:

• Micro Topics in Organizational Behavior (HBS 4882)
• Macro Topics in Organizational Behavior (HBS 4880)

Completion of four term-length courses in research methods:

• Two term-length courses in quantitative methods (FAS courses, sequential courses)
• One term-length course in qualitative methods
• One term-length course in research design (FAS course)
• Two case-based HBS MBA courses

Research Experience

The research apprenticeship requirement - Students are required to engage in research, under faculty supervision, soon after beginning PhD study in the discipline.

The qualifying paper requirement - Both micro-organizational behavior and sociology require all students to submit a qualifying paper by the end of the third year of study.

The dissertation is the final research requirement.

Teaching Requirement

Students must teach or assist with teaching in a formally offered course for one full academic term. This engagement should include, at least, 8 hours of front-of-class teaching and 16 hours of teaching preparation time. The requirement may be fulfilled by completing a teaching fellow or instructor assignment at a Harvard University.

Examinations & Reviews

The dossier review (micro-organizational behavior) - The students undergo a dossier review by a faculty committee. The dossier consists of the qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement about future plans for research.

The discipline examination (sociology) - The student takes the written examination offered by the department, following procedures and on the schedule set by the department.

The organizational behavior examination (both tracks) - This examination comes after all doctoral coursework has been completed. It provides an excellent occasion for the student to draw on all of his or her training to demonstrate readiness for first-rate conceptual and empirical work on organizational phenomena.

The Dissertation

Prospectus: When the student has satisfactorily completed all other requirements, a dissertation prospectus is written and a prospectus committee is formed (consisting of at least three members; Micro-organizational behavior track committees must include at least two Harvard faculty having ladder appointments, at least one of whom must be from HBS; Sociology track committees must include at least one member from the HBS faculty and at least one from the FAS faculty).

When that committee feels that the prospectus is ready for formal review, the prospectus meeting is held. If the committee is satisfied that the student is ready to begin data collection, the members will approve the prospectus. The prospectus committee normally continues as the student’s dissertation committee once the prospectus is approved.

Dissertation: The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate, in a work wholly their own, their ability to contribute creatively to the advancement of knowledge about organizational behavior. When the student and the dissertation committee agree that the dissertation is acceptable, a dissertation defense is scheduled. It is expected that a dissertation will be approved unanimously by the dissertation committee. If the dissertation committee should find itself deadlocked about the acceptability of a dissertation, it will inform the Policy and Admissions Committee about the extent and the basis of the disagreement, and work with the PAC to resolve the matter.

Normal Progress Toward the Degree

By the end of the first year, students should have completed most discipline coursework and the research apprenticeship requirement. Sociology track students should complete the sociology written general exam at the end of the first year (summer).

By the end of the second year, students should have completed all doctoral course requirements, and the organizational behavior examination.

By the end of the third year, students should have completed all required courses, the qualifying paper, and all examinations and reviews.

By the middle of the fourth year, students should have the dissertation prospectus approved.

Students are expected to complete all degree requirements, including the dissertation, in five years. Students will be required to withdraw from the program if they have not completed the qualifying paper by the end of the third year, or if they have not completed the dissertation prospectus by the end of the fifth year.