Organizational Behaviour

Shaping the design and management of complex and evolving organizations.

The fundamental objective of the PhD specialization in Organizational Behaviour is to train world-class researchers in this field. The term “organizational behavior” refers to a collection of theory and research that focuses on individual and group attitudes, cognitions and behaviours in organizations.

The Faculty in the Area represent a mix of researchers from a variety of backgrounds. Some take a more cognitive, others a more practice-oriented approach in their research. All strive toward development of greater understanding of personal, interpersonal and organizational processes and thoughtful examination of issues that influence the management of people in complex and evolving organizations.

Current Area Research Topics

Work, occupations and careers
Diversity and social equality; identity
Leadership
Authenticity and conformity
Entrepreneurship
Organizational change
Arts and leadership
Social capital
Mental representations
Power relationships
Management in developing countries

Specialization Requirements

Candidates are typically required to take four to six graduate level courses suited to the candidate’s research specialization and needs.

Professors

Only Tenured and Tenure-Track faculty can supervise students

Please note that if you select an Assistant Professor as your supervisor, you will need a co-supervisor that has either Associate or Full Professor status.

Typical Courses

Seminar in Behavioural Science
Social Network Analysis for Social Science Research
The Use and Abuse of Power
Seminar in Qualitative Methods
Organizational Theory Seminar
Reading, Doing and Publishing Research in Strategy
Fundamentals of Human Resource Management
Research Methods in Management
The Theory & Practice of Organizational Leadership

Typical Support Fields

Sociology
Psychology
Anthropology

Funding

Doctoral students in the Organizational Behavior area would be considered for funding from a combination of sources.

*Our PhD in Management program is currently under review. We are not presently accepting applications for this program. For information about our Master of Science in Management program please click here. For information about other graduate programs at Memorial please click here.*

In addition to the courses required for all PhD students, those specializing in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management:

BUSI 9920 – Foundations in Organizational Behaviour
BUSI 9921 – Foundations in Human Resources Management
BUSI 9924 – Current Issues in Organizational Behaviour
BUSI 9925 – Current Issues in Human Resources Management
Two of:
- BUSI 9923 – Foundations in Organizational Theory
- BUSI 9927 – Current Issues in Organizational Theory
- BUSI 9928-9939 – Special Topics in Organizational Behaviour/Human Resources Management*
Plus ONE graduate course subject to the approval of the PhD program director and the student’s supervisor.

* Special topics courses are offered subject to scheduling.

Course Descriptions

Business 9920 − Foundations in Organizational Behaviour

This course provides an exposure to seminal readings and theoretical issues in organizational behaviour. A critical review and in-depth analysis of core articles and issues in the field will enable students to evaluate literature critically with an eye to appropriateness of design, methodology, analysis, interpretation and overall contributions to the field.

Business 9921 – Foundations in Human Resources Management

This course provides an exposure to the seminal readings and theoretical issues in human resources as it relates to the broader HR management field (e.g., performance appraisal, training, staffing, compensation). A critical review and in-depth analysis of core and seminal articles and issues in HRM will enable students to evaluate literature critically with an eye to appropriateness of design, methodology, analysis, interpretation and overall contributions to the field.

Business 9923 – Foundations in Organization Theory

This course provides an overview of the historical roots of organizational theory and critically presents theoretical perspectives and research methodology in the design of complex organizations. Major focus is placed on the formulation of research questions and the development of strategies for investigating them.

Business 9924 – Current Issues in Organizational Behaviour

This course builds on the foundations course in organizational behaviour with a broadening and diversifying of student’s exposure to seminal readings and current and emerging issues in OB. The primary research literature is critically examined, focusing on appropriateness of design, analysis, interpretation, contribution and future research directions. Potential topics will vary according to the most current literature.

Business 9925 – Current Issues in Human Resources Management

This course builds on the foundations course in human resources management with a broadening and diversifying of students’ exposure to seminal readings and current and emerging issues in HR. The primary research literature is critically examined, focusing on appropriateness of design, analysis, interpretation, contribution and future research directions. Potential topics will vary according to the most current literature. t.

Business 9927 – Current Issues in Organization Theory

This course builds on the foundations course in organization theory and examines current and emerging theory and methods in the field of organization theory. In addition to the traditional approaches of functionalism and interpretivism, also included are contemporary perspectives of feminism, critical management, post-structuralism, postmodernism and post-colonialism.

General Program Description About the School Ask a Question Contact School Request More Info Check Eligibility

General

Locations

Telfer School of ManagementAll LocationsOttawa, CanadaDurationRequest InfoEarliest Start DateRequest InfoApplication DeadlineRequest InfoAll LanguagesEnglishStudy TypeCampusPaceFull-timeTuition FeesRequest InfoIf you represent this school and need to update this information, please click here

Program Description

The Telfer Ph.D. in Management is designed the shape visionary, influential thinkers who have a positive impact on the lives of people, organizations, and communities through their research. Our students work on their research in collaboration with internationally renowned professors. We share with our students the expertise of our researchers, their extensive networks, and their partnerships with organizations in local, national, and international business communities. Our mission is to consistently maintain high-quality research networks – and to put our students at the center of everything. The Telfer Ph.D. offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of five fields:

Accounting and Control
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Health Systems
Organizational Behaviour & Human Resources

Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources (OBHR) focuses on the understanding and management of behavior in the workplace. Students develop a deep appreciation for the research and insight of subjects dealing with the “human” side of work, such as individual-level topics (e.g., recruitment, selection, job analysis, training and development, learning, motivation, performance), relational topics (e.g., relationships between individuals at work, mentors-protégés, leaders-followers, teamwork, conflict management, diversity, equity) and organizational-level topics (e.g., organizational learning, change management, compensation systems, industrial relations) as well as topics from complementary disciplines such as psychology and sociology.

Organizational Behaviour & Human Resources as a specialty

The Ph.D. in Management offers students the opportunity to focus on one of five specialties: Accounting and Control, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Health Systems and Organizational Behaviour & Human Resources.

Program Highlights

At the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, we are committed to providing our students with all the tools to succeed. Our students work on their research in collaboration with internationally renowned professors. We share with our students the expertise of our researchers, their extensive networks, and their partnerships with organizations in local, national, and international business communities. Our mission is to consistently maintain high-quality research networks – and to put our students at the center of everything.

The Doctoral Leadership Development Program offers seminars, special workshops and activities focused on personal and professional development. These activities assist in the holistic development of doctoral candidates. Additional workshops are also made available through the Altitude Program.

In addition to workshops, the Telfer School of Management is lucky to host several research talks every year. We currently host the Management Research Seminar Series, and the Health Systems Research Seminar Series. All doctoral students are invited to make at least one thesis-related presentation to the Telfer School of Management Research Seminar Series.

Multidisciplinary research is also an inherent part of the Ph.D. in Management. All students, regardless of specialization, examine the multidisciplinary nature of management decision-making. Telfer students push beyond the traditional knowledge boundaries and incorporate knowledge from other disciplines embracing emerging and sometimes conflicting paradigms including sustainability, responsible management and the need to balance environmental, economic and social outcomes.

Finally, a teaching practicum is offered and encouraged regardless of the student’s intended career. The ability to teach is an important skill for both academic and non-academic careers. Students are also encouraged to enroll in the University of Ottawa’s Certificate in University Teaching.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission in the Ph.D. in Management in the field of Accounting and Control, students must

Hold a master’s degree with thesis in OB/HR or Psychology
Have an admission average of at least 8.0/10 (A-) calculated in accordance with the University of Ottawa regulations;
Submit their results in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Show English proficiency;

The deadline to apply is January 15. Please visit our website for more information regarding the application process.

Funding

Our students have access to a wide range of awards, scholarships and other means of financial support such as:

Admission scholarships, excellence scholarships, and travel grants;
Grants and research contracts that enable our professors to hire research assistants;
Teaching and research assistantships sponsored by the Telfer School of Management;
Excellence scholarships provided by organizations such as Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

For more information about scholarships and financial support, please visit the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management

Our PhD in Management degree program with a concentration in Organizational Behaviour (OB) and Human Resource Management (HRM) is a four-year program. In the first two years, you will complete courses and your comprehensive exams. In years three and four, you will focus on research with your supervisor and other faculty members. Opportunities for teaching are also available. If you complete your MSc in Management with us, you will receive credit for those courses you have already completed, which can decrease the length of the time it takes to complete this degree. This program is designed for students who wish to become academics and researchers.

Why choose OB/HRM at Laurier?

You will have the opportunity to work closely with leading scholars in the field of OB/HRM and be involved with cutting-edge research throughout your studies. Building a strong research foundation (including exposure to different theories and methodologies) is important for success in your future career.
We only admit a small number of students each year to ensure that our students can receive the mentoring that they need to succeed in an academic career. You will receive personalized guidance and individualized attention as you develop your own research and prepare for your career.
Our faculty members devote an extensive amount of time and energy into developing our students’ research capabilities and skillsets. You will be encouraged to join projects that can build this foundation and provide you with opportunities to start building your résumé with conference presentations and publications.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This is a full-time, four-year program, starting in September each year. You will focus on completing course work in Years 1 and 2. Your comprehensive exams occur at the end of Year 2. You will further refine your research skills and complete your dissertation in Years 3 and 4.

Required Courses

MS700: Univariate and Multivariate Statistics
BU800: Fundamentals of Behavioural Research
BU802: Research Methodology
BU804: Organizational Behaviour
BU814: Human Resource Management
PS800: Advanced Multivariate Methods
BU899: Doctoral Dissertation
Five electives chosen in consultation with the OB/HRM field coordinator

Note: Students admitted into the PhD program from the Laurier MSc in Management will be exempt from some courses already completed at the master’s level.

Learning Outcomes

You can expect coursework that is designed to provide a solid theoretical foundation in OB and HRM combined with exceptional statistical and methodological training, including research methods, research design, and quantitative analyses. You will also have the opportunity to delve deeper into topics with special topic courses, electives, and directed studies.
You will conduct your own research under the guidance of our faculty supervisors. You are expected to engage in research throughout the program, culminating in the completion of your dissertation.
You will have exposure to cutting-edge research from our faculty supervisors and guest speakers, as well as networking opportunities within the academic community.

MEET OUR OUTSTANDING FACULTY AND RESEARCH COMMUNITY

Our OB/HRM faculty supervisors are leading scholars with exceptional research and teaching records. They publish in the leading journals in the field and are nationally/internationally recognized for their research expertise. They are active in the top conferences in the field; this involvement in the larger research community provides you with remarkable networking opportunities.

Faculty with Supervisory Status

LAURIE BARCLAY

Laurie Barclay
Associate Professor

Fairness in the workplace
Emotions
Aggression

“My research interests focus on fairness in the workplace. I am particularly interested in what makes people feel unfairly treated and how to help employees recover from unfair experiences. I also examine emotions and aggression in the workplace. Some examples of the research questions that I investigate in those areas include what makes some emotions ‘toxic,’ how can people’s emotions impact the way that they respond to fairness issues, what makes some people more likely to be the recipient of aggression, and when is it functional or ‘moral’ to engage in revenge?”

AMY CHRISTIE

Amy Christie
Associate Professor

Status and power in organizations

“My research is centred on status and power in organizations. I explore how positions or feelings of power and status relate to attitudes, behaviour, and well-being. For example, I have asked whether power corrupts, if powerful individuals become ‘power-hungry,’ how status differentials affect relationships in teams, why those with high status enjoy better health, and if the stigma of following is self-reinforcing.”

GREG IRVING

Greg Irving
Professor

Employee attitudes
Employee psychological contracts
Organizational socialization

“My research interests centre on the processes by which individuals move from being organizational outsiders to insiders. To that end, I examine the role of factors such as the impact of Realistic Job Previews (RJPs) and applicants’ pre-entry expectations on their post-entry adjustment. Although post-entry adjustment can mean many things, my interests focus primarily on employee attitudes toward the organization (e.g. organizational commitment) and behaviours (e.g. turnover). I am also interested in the ways that organizations can facilitate the transition from outsider to insider via activities such as organizational socialization and the development of psychological contracts.”

LISA KEEPING

Lisa Keeping
Professor

Processes and outcomes of performance evaluations
Employee selection
Leadership

“Employee performance reviews are conducted by most organizations on an annual or semi-annual basis, often at great time and expense. Interestingly, research indicates that managers and employees alike find performance evaluations to be among the most disliked aspects of their jobs. My research examines the process and outcomes of performance evaluations from the perspective of both managers conducting the evaluations and employees being evaluated. Some of the issues I examine are why managers deliberately provide evaluations of employees that they know to be inaccurate as well as the reactions employees have to receiving performance feedback. The approach I like to take to research is to examine what are largely considered to be human resource issues by applying theories and concepts from organizational behaviour. Secondary areas of interest to me are leadership and employee selection.”

LINDIE LIANG

Lindie Liang
Assistant Professor

Leadership
Emotions
Mindfulness
Motivation
Workplace aggression

“My research interests can be broadly classified into three overlapping areas: leadership, workplace aggression, and emotions. In my research, I apply motivational theories to answer the questions when and why employees behave in certain ways. For example, I am interested in exploring why leaders mistreat their employees, what emotions leaders experience after mistreating their employees, and why mistreated employees behave badly. My other research interests include mindfulness, conflict in the workplace, and ostracism.”

CHET ROBIE

Chet Robie
Professor

Personality
Testing
Faking

“My research interests focus on the use of personality variables in the workplace. I am interested in questions such as, ‘What personality variables predict important individual and organizational outcomes such as performance and retention?’ and ‘What is the best way to measure personality variables in the face of such threats as applicant faking?'”

YUJIE (JESSIE) ZHAN

Yujie (Jessie) Zhan
Assistant Professor

Emotional regulation
Work stress and well-being
Employee retirement

“My research interests include two streams: emotion regulation and retirement. My research on emotion regulation mainly concerns service employees who are required to express a cheerful emotion when they are interacting with clients or customers. I am particularly interested in how service employees react to difficult customers and why they use different strategies to regulate their emotions. My interest in retirement research is stimulated by the aging trend of population. My research aims to explore factors that impact older employees’ retirement decision and retirement adjustment process.”

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND FUNDING

In addition to the financial support that you receive as part of your acceptance into our program, you will have opportunities to receive funding from other sources within and outside of the university.

For example, our students have been successful in receiving grants and fellowships from external funding sources including the prestigious Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and Ontario Graduate Scholarships. Our students have also received support in the form of travel grants for conference presentations and small research grants ($1,500-$3,000) that support their research initiatives. There are also opportunities to work as teaching assistants (TAs), instructors, and research assistants (RAs) for supplemental funding.

Tuition and Fees

For information about our program’s tuition costs, please take a look at the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies’ tuition and fees webpage.

phd in organizational behavior canada