PhD Project: Value-Creation with Marginalized Stakeholders

This PhD project will advance knowledge on firms’ inclusion and exclusion of marginalized stakeholders, guided by the overarching research question: 'What is stakeholder marginalization, and when and how do firms engage marginalized stakeholders in value-creation?' Marginalized stakeholders are stakeholders that are to some degree invisible to managers due to low physical, social, and/or psychological proximity, and that have limited opportunity to decide whether and how to participate in firm-led activities. Such stakeholders are, for example, stakeholders who are subject to negative externalities, are associated with vulnerable social identities, belong to lower social classes, or are stigmatized due to their physical disabilities, mental health conditions, or sexual orientations. While scholars have suggested that engaging with marginalized stakeholders may enable firms to identify new opportunities for sustainable value-creation and social innovation, little is currently known about how firms deal with the inherent challenges of achieving this.

To address this research gap, the PhD research will perform two main studies. The first study involves a comprehensive literature review that synthesizes existing research on stakeholder marginalization that currently is largely fragmented across disciplinary fields. The second study will be a longitudinal, in-depth investigation of one or more firms engaging marginalized stakeholders in value-creation. The purpose of this study is to observe, map, and interpret challenges associated with ‘de-marginalizing’ stakeholders and uncover how these are linked to strategic outcomes for firms. The PhD project will draw from, and contribute to, stakeholder theory but also benefit from integrating theoretical perspectives from development studies, business ethics, and strategy.

What are you going to do

• Pursue and complete a PhD thesis within the appointed duration of four years, during which you will follow PhD level coursework, plan, and conduct your PhD research;
• actively collaborate with the researchers from Amsterdam Business School;
• present research findings at international conferences;
• submit your work to high-quality management science journals;
• assist in teaching activities, such as tutorials and MSc thesis supervision.

What do we require

Formal requirements:

• Master’s degree (preferably a Research Master´s) in Business Administration, Business Economics, or a related field. Candidates with a degree in other disciplines relevant for the PhD topic are encouraged to apply.

Task-related requirements:

• Excellent speaking and writing ability in English, ideally with some experience in academic writing;
• willingness and motivation to independently formulate research projects and carry them through to completion;
• familiarity with qualitative research methods or a willingness to develop these skills;
• willingness to travel abroad for data collection, conferences, and extended visits to other universities.

Additional requirements:

• Strong motivation to pursue an international career as a leading scholar;
• strong commitment to methodological rigor and scientific integrity;
• intellectual curiosity, eagerness to learn, and openness to feedback.

What do we offer

The compensation package is competitive at the European level and includes several secondary benefits. To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Favorable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants. We offer an employment contract for 38 hours a week with an initial period of 18 months, and after an intermediate evaluation after 18 months there is the possibility to extend it for 30 months (in total the contract will be for four years), preferably starting from September 1st, 2024. The end-result should be a PhD thesis. An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses and (international) conferences. The gross monthly salary will range between € 2,770,- in the first year to € 3,539,- in the last year for full-time employment (38 hours per week), excluding holiday allowance (8%) and year-end bonus (8.3%). The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable.

What else do we offer:

• A role in which your own initiative and input is strongly valued;
• an expert supervisory team with experience in supervising PhD students and publishing in top tier journals;
• an enthusiastic, welcoming, and supportive department;
• a vibrant, international work environment in the centre of Amsterdam.

About us

Education and research at UvA Economics and Business (EB) covers a wide range of fields that includes economics, data science, business administration, business analytics, accountancy, control, econometrics, finance and entrepreneurship. This is organised in 2 Schools: the Amsterdam Business School (ABS) and the Amsterdam School of Economics (ASE). Over 7,000 students are enrolled in our UvA Economics and Business programmes and around 500 employees provide education and support.