PhD Study : L:EAD - Leadership: Effective, Authentic, and Demanding

Summary

Introduction L:EAD is a proposed model of leadership (L) in which effectiveness (E) is paramount, authenticity (A) is foundational, and the demanding (D) nature of the role is transparent. The interplay of these and other dimensions of effective leadership today is the basis of this research. In this PhD proposal, four key rationale about the need for this research and the practical outcomes of each will be expounded.

These are: a research deficit in authentic leadership; problems with extant research; the lack of leadership identified in business and in graduates today; and finally, the need for research in today’s unique contexts of Covid-19 and Brexit.

Rationale for research

1.   Research deficit: Studies into how to lead ‘authentically’ as well as ‘effectively’ (Iszatt-White et al, 2018) are called for in the academic literature (Crawford et al, 2020; Liu et al, 2015) and in the public media [after the financial scandals and resulting recession of 2008; after continuing business misconduct and with the significant challenges facing UK and Irish businesses as a result of Brexit (Spotlight, 2020) and Covid-19 (UUEPC, 2020)].

2.Weaknesses in existing research: Previous work on authentic leadership (originating with George and Sims, 2018) is criticised for its inability to produce the study’s data, and also lacks a focus on leadership failures and recovery, or ‘the shadow side of leadership’ (Bolden, 2007; Ford and Harding, 2011).

3.Leadership deficit in the UK: Numerous national and regional commercial reports point to a lack of leadership in business and also in graduates (Economy 2030: A Consultation on an Industrial Strategy for NI, 2017; Chartered Management Institute, 2018; World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs survey, 2020; OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030, 2018, and NI Skills Barometer, 2019).

4.Leading in the Pandemic & Brexit Economy: The Covid-19 crisis has required leadership that could result in life or death for employees. The upcoming Brexit economy is another unknown that needs research to inform the debate and support the local economy. It is argued that both realities create significant challenges and opportunities for organisations and heighten the need for highly effective and authentic leadership. Additionally, in the current age of business disruptors (e.g. Netflix, Deliveroo, Monzo, AirBnB, Uber), the question of how a leader can maintain profit and grow business in an increasingly competitive marketplace, while also being authentic, is complex.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living