Managing creativity through skunk works in organisational innovation
In today’s competitive and fast-paced environment, organisations seek agile approaches to foster creativity and innovation. Skunk works have been adopted by leading companies as a strategy to break free from bureaucratic constraints and cultivate disruptive ideas. However, skunk works present unique challenges in management and integration due to their high degree of autonomy and informality.
This project will investigate best practices for managing skunk works effectively, aiming to understand how organisations can leverage these teams to achieve breakthrough innovations while aligning with broader organisational goals.
A qualitative case study approach will be adopted, focusing on organisations that have successfully implemented skunk works teams. This approach will allow an in-depth exploration of the strategies and structures that facilitate creativity in skunk works and the challenges involved in managing these teams.
The ideal candidate should have a background in organisational behaviour, innovation management, or strategic management, with strong qualitative research skills. Experience with creativity studies or autonomous team structures would be beneficial, as well as an interest in innovative organisational design.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:
- Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
- Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
- Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.
Good luck!
This is a self funded topic
Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.
Meet the Supervisor(s)
Ning Wu - Ning is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in OB/HRM at Brunel Business School. Ning started her higher education career as a university lecturer in Economics in Peking University China, then conducted research in Labour Economics at Oxford University as a senior member. Before joining Brunel Business School, Ning held a lecturer post in HRM at Nottingham Business School.
Related Research Group(s)
Human Resource Management and Organization Behaviour - The group's five main themes of research include excellence in workplace innovation, diversity, team work, social inclusion, and employee selection.