PhD Position (Fully Funded): Performance Management Systems and Entrepreneurs’ Health University of Montpellier in France

The University of Montpellier invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in the Montpellier Research in Management (MRM) unit, focusing on the intersection of performance management systems and entrepreneurs’ health. This research opportunity is designed for candidates interested in exploring how management control and performance measurement systems impact the mental health, stress, and well-being of entrepreneurs. The project addresses a rapidly expanding area of research, aiming to uncover the mechanisms by which comprehensive performance measurement systems and control environments influence psychological outcomes for entrepreneurs.

The dissertation will contribute to a policy-relevant agenda on sustainable entrepreneurship, examining multidimensional feedback systems and the effects of tight versus loose control configurations. Key research questions include: when do measurement systems reduce uncertainty and stress, what mechanisms mediate these effects (such as role clarity and richer feedback), and how do different control environments affect well-being outcomes?

A major asset of this project is access to the Amarok Observatory, which provides large-scale survey datasets on entrepreneurs’ health and working conditions. The candidate will also have opportunities for data collection through institutional business networks and partner organizations, enabling robust quantitative research with potential for multi-wave and longitudinal designs.

The successful applicant will benefit from structured doctoral training, integration into MRM seminars and workshops, hands-on experience in research design and advanced quantitative analysis, and opportunities for international collaboration and co-authorship. The project aims to develop journal submissions and present results at international conferences.

Eligibility requires a Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in management, entrepreneurship, accounting/management control, organizational behavior, or related fields. Candidates should have strong academic writing skills, proficiency in English, and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research bridging management controls and entrepreneurial health. Shortlisted candidates must attend an in-person interview in Montpellier, France in early July 2026; remote interviews are not possible.

The position is fully funded for three years, covering tuition and stipend, with a start date of September 1, 2026. Applications should include a CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts, sent via email to Prof. Olivier Torres and Prof. Chaffik Bakkali. The application deadline is May 3, 2026 (23:59 Paris time).

For further information, candidates can consult the Amarok Observatory website and the application portal. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated candidates eager to contribute to research on sustainable entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs’ well-being within a vibrant academic environment.