A person-centred approach to researcher development for Business Management Doctorates

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. Edward Elgar Publishing, pp. 88-104. ISBN 9781035325726

Text A person-centred approach to researcher development for business management doctorates D3.pdf - Accepted Version Access Restricted until 20 November 2025. Download (438kB)

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.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	This is a draft chapter. The final version is available in Handbook of Inclusive Learning and Teaching in Business and Management edited by Martyna Śliwa, Lisa Anderson, Kate Black, Caroline Chaffer, Jill Webb, published in 2025, Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd http://doi.org/10.4337/9781035325733.00011 The material cannot be used for any other purpose without further permission of the publisher, and is for private use only.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	BELONGING; BUSINESS MANAGEMENT; DOCTORAL EDUCATION; PERSON-CENTRED; RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT; SUPERVISION
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business L Education > L Education (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine > RA0440 Study and Teaching. Research
Divisions:	Doctoral Management Studies (from Sep 19) Liverpool Business School
Publisher:	Edward Elgar Publishing
Date of acceptance:	31 May 2024
Date Deposited:	30 May 2025 13:57
Last Modified:	30 May 2025 13:57
DOI or ID number:	10.4337/9781035325733.00011
Editors:	Śliwa, M, Anderson, L, Black, K, Chaffer, C and Webb, J
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/23477

View Item