SOM, the graduate school and research institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business has available one PhD position for the project “Internal and External Regulation of Top Management Decisions” (1.0 FTE).

This project is part of a NWO Vidi grant awarded to Prof Floor Rink. Recent fraud and remuneration cases has led to public calls for more stringent management regulation. But research shows that strict regulation is not always enforceable nor desirable. This raises the question which alternative supervisory means are available to ensure that top management serves the interests of relevant organizational stakeholders and gears toward sustainable firm performance. This PhD project aims to examine this question through a social dynamic approach by focusing on improving the relations top managers have with the supervisory bodies who monitor them (i.e., internal bodies within their firm and external central market regulators outside their firm, such as Central Banks). The overall goal is to investigate how these supervisors should position themselves in order to influence management decisions effectively.

The project will include experimental, survey and archival research and will be part of FEB’s research programme on Organizational Behaviour (https://www.rug.nl/research/hrm-ob/) and FEB’s signature area on “Board Effectiveness” (https://www.rug.nl/research/som-ri/signature-areas/board-effectiveness/). Within this signature area, researchers from different disciplines within the Faculty (i.e., Economics and Finance, Management, Accounting and Organizational Behaviour) conduct joint research on the conditions that will make management boards effective, both at the micro- and macro-economic level.

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) and has some knowledge of the scientific literature on intergroup relations in organizational settings and/or management board dynamics. 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.

If you are interested, we invite you to apply until 19 March 23.59 h / before 20 March 2018 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on the "Apply" button 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 (1 A4 max)
3. a short study proposal for one of the PhD projects (2 A4 max)
4. a scan of your diploma including transcripts
5. proof of English proficiency
6. other relevant documents.

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

Conditions
The University of Groningen offers a salary dependent on qualifications and relevant work experience, with a minimum of € 2,222 gross per month which increases yearly to a maximum of € 2,840 gross per month. In addition there are an 8% holiday allowance and an 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 September 2018

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

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 centre 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 programmes, academic staff and research do well on various excellence ranking lists.