University PhD Research Studentship
GSBS/GCU London
Reference Number: S2015GSBS003
Studentship Project Title: Managing knowledge boundaries: comparing intercultural and
interdisciplinary work and competence.
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship based at GCU London within GSBS. The
studentship is for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and provides payment of tuition
fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend of £14,800 [please note that students from outside the EU
are required to pay the difference between International and EU fees, currently this would amount to
£7,100 per annum]. The successful candidate will carry out up to 6 hours of academic-related work per
week as part of their research training.
Research Discipline
Business Management/Education
Research Theme
Inclusive Societies/Social Innovation
Research Project Summary
Working on the boundaries of areas of knowledge in the workplace provides challenges as well as
potential for innovation. Crossing disciplinary borders is described as akin to negotiating different
cultures. Disciplines could be conceptualised as knowledge cultures which are (re)formed through
language, practice, structures of power and justice, and archives ‘of narratives of identity and tradition’
(Scott & Hofmeyer, 2007). Overcoming cultural conflicts that are manifest in disciplinary territoriality
means developing levels of cultural competence that enhance mutual respect, understanding and
interaction (Kim-Godwin et al., 2001). Studies in intercultural and interdisciplinary work have been
developing their knowledge in separate silos. However, the competence (knowledge, skills and attitudes)
needed to work at the knowledge boundary between different cultures and knowledge boundary
between different disciplines might be very similar. We might be talking about a higher level competence
of dealing with ‘otherness’ in knowledge work. Therefore, the study proposes to empirically compare
issues and competences needed in intercultural work in organisations to those of interdisciplinary work.
Similarity of competence needed would have a great deal of impact on staff development, inclusive HR
policies and practices and managing innovation on the boundaries of knowledge.
Objectives:
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Explore to what extent does dealing with interculturality and interdisciplinarity rely on similar
competences (competences as consisting of knowledge, skills and attitudes)
Explore the relationship between the competence for dealing with knowledge boundaries and
innovative work
Identify development and training potential of a competence for dealing with knowledge
boundaries in the workplace.
The project is aligned with the general GCU research theme of Inclusive Societies (and especially subthemes of Professional Learning and Sustainable Business) as it focuses on diversity in the workplace
(both intercultural and interdisciplinary diversity). Existence of a higher-order competence for dealing
with knowledge boundaries might have a wider impact not only on the workplace but on managing
diversity in communities, mobility and societal inter-group issues.
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The project will build on the currently funded project led by Dr Dane Lukic (Erasmus Mundus
Intercultural Competence – EMIC, funded by EU Erasmus Mundus Action 3 grant) seeking to extend the
research and future impact on organisations. Furthermore, the project will build on interdisciplinary
work of previous externally funded research projects on learning from incidents (Dr Dane Lukic) and
security in organisations (Professor Rona Beattie). This approach of building on current research would
allow for multiplying our research impact in preparation for next REF. The PhD project will also include
an active early career researcher (Dr Saud Al Taj) in the supervisor team for capacity building.
Supervisory Team
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Dr Dane Lukic
Dr Saud Al Taj
Professor Rona Beattie
Staff Contact
Dane.Lukic@gcu.ac.uk
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the University Research Application Form, available from:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/phdresearchopportunities/
Please send the form, stating the studentship project title and reference number, with a CV, copies of
academic qualifications, references, and any other required documentation to:
researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is Monday 13 April 2015
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