Manchester Metropolitan University
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PhD Studentship in Board Approaches to Workforce Engagement, Employee-Perceived Effectiveness, and Sustainable Corporate Efficiency in UK Firms Manchester Metropolitan University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Finance
Funding
Available
Deadline
Feb 28, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
Manchester Metropolitan University
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About this position
This PhD studentship at Manchester Metropolitan University examines how board-recommended workforce engagement mechanisms influence sustainable corporate efficiency in UK firms. The project is set within the context of the UK Corporate Governance Code, which encourages boards to engage with employees through a workforce director, workforce advisory panel, or designated non-executive director.
The research addresses an important gap in understanding whether these mechanisms shape employees’ perceived effectiveness of engagement and whether that perception helps explain links to long-term sustainable corporate efficiency. The project will combine primary survey data on employees’ perceived effectiveness with secondary firm-level data on engagement mechanisms and firm outcomes.
Key objectives include comparing employees’ perceived effectiveness across the different Code-recommended engagement mechanisms, testing the relationship between engagement mechanisms and sustainable corporate efficiency, and examining whether perceived effectiveness mediates that relationship.
This is a funded doctoral studentship open to home and international applicants. Funding includes full home and international tuition fees for the duration of the 3-year award and a standard UKRI stipend currently set at £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year.
Applicants should have a strong academic background, and experience with quantitative research and statistical software such as Stata, R, or EViews will be an advantage. The opportunity may particularly interest candidates with backgrounds in finance, business, management, economics, or related disciplines.
To apply, candidates should complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Finance, complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and submit a CV and covering letter showing how their skills and interests align with the project. A research proposal is not required through the portal. Applications can be uploaded to the University’s Admissions Portal or sent by email. The project has an expected start date of October 2027, and the deadline is 2 February 2027.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have a strong academic background across a range of disciplines. Prior experience in quantitative research and data analysis using statistical software such as Stata, R or EViews would be particularly advantageous. Applications from candidates from the Global South, Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds, and other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
How to apply
Complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Finance. Do not submit a research proposal through the portal. Complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form and include your CV and a covering letter. Upload the documents to the University's Admissions Portal or email them to [email protected].
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the provider.