This project is part of a NWO VIDI grant awarded to Prof. Floor Rink. Although recent fraud and remuneration cases has led to public calls for more stringent management regulation, research shows that strict regulation is not always enforceable nor desirable. This project therefore focuses on the social context in which management practices are embedded, which is largely determined by the relations top managers have with the supervisory bodies who monitor them; the internal supervisory boards within their firm and external central market regulators outside their firm (e.g., Central Banks). The overall goal is, therefore, to systematically examine how effective both supervisors are in influencing management decisions at the micro level (i.e., as boards or as individual supervisors).
In both PhD projects, we will study whether the influence of internal and external supervisory boards on management decisions is contingent on the work structures within the boards (e.g., one vs. two-tier systems, degree of board mobility and diversity), on the communication strategies that supervisors use (i.e., degree of transparency, frequency of interactions) and on the supervisor characteristics (e.g, expertise, personality). However, given that internal and external supervisory boards often monitor management decisions in conjunction, both PhD projects may also include studies that explore the combined influence of both supervisors on management decisions.
Both PhD projects will rely on psychological and economic theories and will include experimental, survey and archival research. They will be part of the SOM research programme on Organizational Behavior (www.rug.nl/research/hrm-ob/)
and of the signature area on “Board Effectiveness” (www.rug.nl/research/som-ri/signature-areas/board-effectiveness/). Within this signature area, researchers from different disciplines within FEB (i.e., Economics and Finance, Management, Accounting and Organizational Behavior) conduct multi-level research on the conditions that will make management boards effective.

We are looking for a candidate with a master degree - preferably a research master - in management, social sciences (psychology, sociology) or economics. The ideal candidate is experienced in working with quantitative research methods (experimental, survey and/or archival research). Candidates should be excellent in academic writing, should have excellent communication skills and should be able to cooperate in a multi-disciplinary team.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

The University of Groningen offers a gross monthly starting salary of € 2,222 which increases yearly to a maximum of € 2,840. In addition there are a 8% holiday allowance and a 8,3% end of year bonus. The full-time appointment is temporary for a period of four years, under the condition of a positive assessment at the end of the first year.

Starting date: 1 July – 1 September 2017.

An assessment may be part of the procedure, consisting of psychological tests and an interview.

How to apply
You may apply for this position until 22 June / before 23 June 2017 Central European Time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The application package consists of the following separate documents:
1. Your cv and scan of your passport
2. A motivation letter (1A4 max) and a short study proposal for the PhD project (2 A4 max).
3. A scan of your diploma including transcripts
4. Proof of English proficiency
5. Other relevant documents.

The documents 1-4 are compulsory and please note that incomplete application packages will not be taken into account.

For more information, please send an email to: somvacancies@rug.nl

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Faculty of Economics and Business

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Belonging to the best research universities of Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Faculty of Economics and Business
The Faculty of Economics and Business offers an inspiring study and working environment for students and employees. International accreditation enables the Faculty to assess performance against the highest international standards. It also creates an exciting environment of continuous improvement. FEB's programs, academic staff and research do well on various excellence ranking lists.

SOM, the graduate school and research institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business has two PhD positions available.