Olivier Torres

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.

The University of Montpellier (France) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the intersection of entrepreneurial well-being and performance management systems. Hosted within the Montpellier Research in Management (MRM) unit, this project is supervised by Prof. Olivier Torres and Prof. Chaffik Bakkali. The position is funded for three years, from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029. This research aims to explore how performance management systems—ways in which entrepreneurs measure, monitor, and interpret performance—impact the well-being of entrepreneurs. The project will investigate mechanisms such as role clarity, feedback richness, and perceived control, and will examine how different control environments (tight vs. loose) affect stress and well-being outcomes. The research is highly policy-relevant, contributing to the understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship and the conditions under which performance management supports or strains entrepreneurial well-being. A unique feature of this project is privileged access to the Amarok Observatory, a research initiative dedicated to entrepreneurs’ working conditions and well-being. This provides access to large-scale survey datasets and strong field networks, enabling rigorous quantitative research and opportunities for new data collection through business networks and partner organizations. The methodology will primarily involve quantitative analysis of survey data, with potential for multi-wave or longitudinal designs. Doctoral candidates will benefit from structured training, integration into MRM seminars and workshops, hands-on experience in research design and advanced quantitative analysis, and opportunities for international collaboration and conference presentations. The project encourages interdisciplinary approaches, connecting management, organizational behavior, and psychology. Applicants should hold or be near completion of a Master’s degree in entrepreneurship/management, management accounting, performance management, organizational behavior, psychology of work, or a related field. Strong academic writing skills and proficiency in English are required. The application process involves submitting a CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts by email to the supervisors. Shortlisted candidates must attend an in-person interview in Montpellier in early July 2026; remote interviews are not possible. For more information, visit the University of Montpellier website or the position announcement . Contact Prof. Olivier Torres ([email protected]) or Prof. Chaffik Bakkali ([email protected]) for queries.