Abstract

This essay outlines a unique set of challenges that we confronted as a PhD supervisor and candidate, drawing on a research project within a United States Federal Prison. We elicit the challenges that can be faced at different stages before, during, and after fieldwork, and share three lessons for others. First, exploring unique phenomena and processes often requires conducting research in extreme empirical contexts, which while challenging, helps to establish the boundaries within which other archetypes can be studied. Second, educating incarcerated individuals is a challenge and an opportunity, and requires creative approaches that can transcend work, family, and social boundaries. Finally, while it is tempting for supervisors and candidates to embark on PhDs for instrumental purposes, helping to support and develop each other should be the core motivation. We hope that others can learn from our experience and reflect on and share more widely their own experiences and practices.

Highlights

  • A perennial challenge in business and management studies is the recruitment and selection of PhD candidates

  • Given the competitive environment of recruiting and selecting PhD candidates as well as the risks involved for both PhD supervisors and students, our aim is to candidly show the different challenges and opportunities that both parties can face throughout the PhD journey

  • The e-mail correspondence seemed to Harvey as typical of other correspondence with potential PhD candidates. Arora shared his CV and proposal, which was followed by discussions around: Harvey’s capacity to supervise, the merits and areas for improvement with Arora’s proposal, if the application aligned with Harvey’s research expertise, and discussions around the likelihood of the application meeting the standards expected for PhD admission at the University of Exeter Business School

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Summary

Journal of Management Inquiry

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Recruitment and Selection of PhD Candidates
Our Story
PhD Approval
Transitioning Into the Field
Throwing in the Towel
Transitioning Out of the Field
Outputs and Engagement
Lessons for PhD Supervisors and Candidates
Full Text
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