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Research

Human resources, organisation studies and organisational behaviour

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Research in this area covers many of the key and exciting issues in organisation studies and human resource management. Researchers straddle these boundaries in their projects on the changing nature of work and the ways in which it is organised and regulated. At the same time we examine strategies in human resources, employee engagement, management control and surveillance and cross-boundary modes of working. We also have strengths in development and change strategies, practice based-learning, creativity and innovation, strategic and cross-national human resource management, leadership and critical organisational theory.

Qualifications available:
PhD or MPhil
Fees:
For detailed information on current fees visit Fees and funding.
Entry requirements:
Minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) and an MRes or specialist masters which includes research methods training.

Potential research projects

Internally funded full-time research studentships are advertised in January (closing date end of March) and may include the following. We also welcome full-time self-funded applications in these areas.

  • Family businesses and small and micro enterprises.
  • Organisational and individual identity.
  • Gender, sex and sexuality in organisations.
  • The cultural industries.
  • Management development, leadership development and coaching.
  • Work and practice-based learning.
  • Surveillance in and around organisations.
  • Positive development, creative style, wellbeing and change strategies.
  • The international transfer of management practices and concepts.
  • Cross boundary collaboration.
  • Organisation theory and critical management research.

Further information

If you have an enquiry specific to this research area please contact:

Name:
Debby Hing
Email:
oubs-research@open.ac.uk
Phone:
+44 (0)1908 655272

For general enquiries please contact the Research Degrees Team via the link under 'Your questions' further down the page.