Nanyang PhD Programme

The Strategy, Management and Organisation (SMO) specialisation is designed for those who want to study and research new aspects of theories and practice of organizational behavior (OB) and strategic management.  PhD students in SMO have the option to pursue their doctorate either with an emphasis in organisational behavior or strategy.

The organisational behaviour field provides students with conceptual frameworks for understanding human behaviour in organisations. This field focuses on the individual and/or small groups as the unit of analysis in an organisational context. Specific emphasis is placed on cross-cultural and intercultural implications of organisational behaviour in the global environment. Research includes subjects such as culture and personality, work motivation and satisfaction, negotiation, power and influence, leadership, organisational learning, decision-making and team processes, and strategic human resource management.

The strategy field is designed to increase the understanding of ways in which organisations function and of the factors that contribute to firm performance. The study of a company’s external environment, strategic resources, and capabilities and the organisation’s internal structure form the foundation for analysing management decisions that have a fundamental impact on the organisation. Major topics include corporate strategy, corporate governance, firm performance, strategic decision-making processes, theory of the firm and top management team processes.

Another unique strength of the program is also its focus on the theory and practice of Cultural Intelligence (CQ).  CQ is defined as an individual’s capability to work effectively across cultures.   PhD students with unique interests in extending the knowledge domain in the area of cultural intelligence can work with a team of faculty on the research program.