PhD position Accounting for the Uncountable (1,0 fte)

Nyenrode Business University is seeking a full-time PhD student with a research interest in organizational control and performance management in the public sector. The position is for four years and is fully funded. The PhD-student will join the Center for Accounting, Auditing and Control. Under the supervision of Professors Ivo De Loo and Roland Speklé, the PhD student will perform theoretical and empirical research on the relative effectiveness of internal governance arrangements in public sector organizations. Accounting for the Uncountable

The function of government is to promote the common good and overall well-being of society. This involves a concern for safety, civil rights, equity, justice, welfare, health, environmental protection, and other similarly evasive societal objectives. Measuring performance on these objectives is very difficult. But, if performance cannot be measured, does that mean it cannot be managed? Is it possible to devise performance management systems that account for the uncountable? This research project first explores the foundational question as to what accountability means when outcomes defy measurement. It then moves on to examine (both theoretically and empirically) the potential contribution to public sector effectiveness of control practices such as performance measurement, action controls, and socio-cultural controls, with a specific emphasis on how these practices combine in larger systems to affect public sector performance.

Research
We are interested in candidates with clear academic research ambitions and a background in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Candidates must have the ambition to publish in highly ranked international peer reviewed academic journals, and to develop a high-quality and original research portfolio that is relevant to academia and the world of organizations. The objective is that the research project results in a number of high-quality, original academic research papers, suitable for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals.

Teaching
This fulltime PhD position involves a limited teaching load (with a maximum of 25% of the appointment).

Requirements

You hold an MSc, MA, or MPhil degree in a relevant discipline from an accredited research university, preferably in economics, public sector administration, business administration, or a related field. You have excellent results in your graduate study. You have a genuine interest in and a strong motivation for academic research. 

Contract terms

Nyenrode is a knowledge institute that is characterized by a personal, informal atmosphere and a professional approach. Result-oriented work methods and attention to personal development go hand in hand; for instance, you can participate in exclusive seminars and lunch classes. Nyenrode has a dynamic work environment in which you are given a lot of responsibility and the opportunity to contribute to objectives in your own way.

• A gross salary between € 2.766, - and € 3.708, - depending on your seniority and experience (Scale 8)
• 30 days off (with the possibility of an additional five) 
• Fixed 5,1 % end of year bonus
• Flexible end of year bonus, up to 4,5%
• Allowance of € 850 to be spent with Coolblue to facilitate a home office
• Reimbursements for internet and working from home costs, travel allowance
• Pension scheme
• Bike scheme