A person-centred approach to researcher development for business management doctorates.

Foster, Scott; Sheldon, Julie; Hannibal, Claire; Bryde-Evens, Mollie

Abstract

This chapter explores the experiences of business management postgraduate research students (PGRs) within the evolving landscape of doctoral education, despite the increasing number of postgraduate students, business management PGRs are rarely addressed in academic literature. This study examines whether the stereotypical portrayal of doctoral journeys as solitary and challenging reflects PGRs' lived experiences. Using interventions and evaluations, including semi-structured interviews and the Post Graduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), the research highlights the importance of a person-centred approach in fostering effective researcher development. Our findings suggest steps to promote a person-centred approach, countering the notion of a solitary doctorate and fostering a supportive academic community. This chapter critiques the transactional nature of supervisor-supervisee relationships and advocates for aligning personal dispositions to enhance doctoral experiences. Person-centred supervision can reduce the isolation of doctoral work and build a supportive community. Recognising institutional roles, the research maps student satisfaction and positive outcomes, emphasising inclusivity and tailored support, especially for underrepresented groups. This chapter also explores how disciplinary paradigms shape researcher personas and whether business management education’s competitive nature enhances resilience. Ultimately, it discusses embedding person-centred approaches to nurture diverse, resilient researchers, countering traditional academic norms and promoting a transformative educational experience.

Citation

FOSTER, S., SHELDON, J., HANNIBAL, C. and BRYDE-EVENS, M. 2025. A person-centred approach to researcher development for business management doctorates. In Śliwa, M., Anderson, L., Black, K., Chaffer, C. and Webb, J. (eds.). Handbook of inclusive learning and teaching in business and management. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar [online], chapter 5, pages 88-104. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035325733.00011

• Publication Date: May 20, 2025
• Deposit Date: Sep 11, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 21, 2026
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 88-104
• Book Title: Handbook of inclusive learning and teaching in business and management
• Chapter Number: chapter 5
• ISBN: 9781035325726
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035325733.00011
• Keywords: Doctoral education; Research environment; Supervision; Business management; Belonging; Person-centred
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2474047
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035325733
• Contract Date: Sep 10, 2024