School for Business and Society PGR project scholarship

The School for Business and Society was formed in 2022 through a merger between The York Management School and the Department of Social Policy and Social Work. Our research is cross-disciplinary and draws together activities that other universities normally locate in separate Business Schools and Schools of Public Policy. Reflecting York’s long-standing strengths in both of these areas we are the largest organisational unit at the University, and we are at the forefront of the University's mission to be a University for public good.

As part of our investment in the next generation of academic researchers, we are pleased to offer this PhD Project studentship. The successful candidate will join a large and diverse postgraduate research community in the School for Business and Society.

The goal of the studentship will be to analyse social enterprises as hybrid organisations and to consider their role in transforming public service delivery. The relationships that make up the public service ecosystem are interconnected and dynamic, influenced by factors like social inequalities, market forces, funding, and digital technologies. Social enterprises, which combine profit and social purpose, are disrupting the traditional for-profit/non-profit distinction.

The provision of public services in the UK has often been a mixed economy, but the rise of social enterprises as a new actor in this space now provides an alternative not only to statutory providers but also to charity providers. This competition may mean a shift in models of delivery with organisations dis-incentivised to focus on public good beyond paying customers.

The research will also examine how social enterprises effectively manage limited human, social, and financial resources, building on resource-based theory. Understanding the motivations of social enterprises and resource providers during challenging times is crucial for a complete picture of non-profit resourcing.

Research questions
How do different organisational forms (e.g., non-profit, hybrid social enterprise, for-profit) impact the effectiveness and equity of public service delivery in the UK?
How do interactions and interdependencies between different organisational forms within an ecosystem for public service delivery contribute to its overall functioning and stability?

Potential Research Objectives
Map general trends, stakeholders, organisational forms and dynamics in public service delivery in selected case study sites in the UK.
Examine the challenges and opportunities of contrasting non-profit and for-profit strategies of public service delivery. The contrast can include consideration of innovation, risk-taking, and market orientation.
Compare and contrast different ecosystems of public service delivery across selected geographical locations and sectors.

We welcome applications that propose either qualitative or mixed-method methodologies, which allow for in-depth study of the chosen public services and geographic contexts within the UK that will be studied.

Essential and desirable criteria
A PhD student for this interdisciplinary research should possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills, capable of integrating diverse theoretical perspectives. Experience in qualitative research methods is essential. They must demonstrate excellent communication and writing abilities, with a passion for social justice and equity. Essential characteristics include intellectual curiosity, independence, and resilience. A background in sociology, political science, economics, technology studies, management studies, or related fields is preferred.

Desirable traits include familiarity with UK public service policy, experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, and proficiency in relevant software (e.g., statistical analysis).

Supervisory team
The supervisory team consists of Professor Michael Ngaosong and Dr Elizabeth Bailey.