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PhD Project: How Firms in Contested Industries Pursue Purpose-drivenRenewal
Faculty/Services: Faculty of Economics and Business
Educational level: Master
Function type: Academic Staff
Closing date: 15 June 2023
Vacancy number: 11451
Corporations are increasingly being challenged to reflect on their purpose. Indeed, the relentless pursuit of profit as the raison d'être for corporations has had detrimental implications for our planet, society, and even shareholders – calling corporations to identify with a purpose that enables sustainable development. Accordingly, an ever-louder chorus of industry leaders have been questioning the shareholder-centric approach to business conduct. For example, Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock, called on firms to serve a broader societal purpose and shared value creation, and leading business consultants are increasingly advising firms to pursue a purpose that helps to cultivate a deeper connection with employees, customers, and communities. Earlier research has shown that firms are responsive to this development as they are rolling out new purpose-driven strategies and implementing changes within their organizations. However, firms that are particularly challenged by this development are those operating in contested industries including, for example, energy, aviation, and fast food. For these firms, pursuing a purpose requires fundamentally rethinking their core business activities, revenue models, and strategy.
Therefore, this PhD project seeks to perform an in-depth, longitudinal study of how firms in contested industries engage in purpose-driven strategic renewal. The objective of this project is to identify and theorize about the challenges, practices, and consequences of implementing such renewal. We envision this project to draw from, and contribute to, the literature on stakeholder management, strategic renewal, and organizational change. An elaborate description of the project, including a brief literature review, and outline of methodology and societal relevance can be found here.
What are you going to do
What do we require
Formal requirements:
Task-related requirements:
Additional requirements:
What do we offer
The compensation package is competitive at the European level and includes several secondary benefits. To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Favorable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants. To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check this link and uva.nl/working-at-eb.
The employment contract will be for three or four years (depending on prior education) with an initial period of 12 or 18 months, with an intermediate evaluation after 12 or 18 months and a possibility to extend it for 24 or 30 months (in total three or four years, depending on prior education). End- result should be a PhD thesis. An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) conferences.
The gross monthly salary will range from €2.541 in the first year to €3.247 (base on 38 hours per week) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities is applicable.
What else do we offer:
About us
Education and research at UvA Economics and Business (EB) covers a wide range of fields that includes economics, data science, business administration, business analytics, accountancy, control, econometrics, finance and entrepreneurship. This is organised in 2 Schools: the Amsterdam Business School (ABS) and the Amsterdam School of Economics (ASE). Over 7,000 students are enrolled in our UvA Economics and Business programmes and around 500 employees provide education and support.
At our Strategy & International Business section, managers in organisations are considered the central actors. Our areas of expertise in both research and education are sustainability, stakeholder management, digital transformation, and innovation strategy.
The section is committed to providing high-quality education at all levels, from undergraduate (BSc) to PhD level and Executive Education.
Interested about what your potential colleagues have to say about working at UvA Amsterdam Business School?
Please check this link PhD to watch a short video about working as a PhD at UvA Amsterdam Business School.
Find more information about Economics and Business on uva.nl/eb. Find more information about the Amsterdam Business School on abs.uva.nl.
To know more about working at the University of Amsterdam, please check this link and uva.nl/working-at-eb
Questions
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
Dr. Pushpika Vishwanathan ( [email protected] )
Prof. Dr. Henk Volberda ( [email protected] )
Job application
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by June 15, 2023. You may apply online by using the link below.
Applications in one pdf should include:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a job interview and may be asked to present their (thesis) research work. Shortlisted candidates may additionally be asked to provide two reference letters.
Applications will be processed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.
The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.
No agencies please.
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