Intergroup leadership in polarised groups

Overview

The adage “united we stand, divided we fall” has frequently guided leadership practice – that is, for one to lead others effectively, one first needs to unite them. However, large groups of people often comprise smaller subgroups with distinct identities. How, then, does the leadership process look like when these smaller subgroups are polarised into conflicting factions that cannot simply be united under a common superordinate identity?

This research broadly examines the process of leadership within teams and organisations where there may be a clash between subgroup identities.

Research activities

• design field, quasi, and experimental studies
• analyse quantitative and qualitative data
• develop manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Skills and experience

These skills are all desirable but negotiable. Your skills can be developed over time.

We are looking for people with an understanding of:

• social identity theorising within organisations
• field, quasi, and/or experimental research designs
• methods for gathering qualitative and/or quantitative data
• qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

• leadership
• intergroup leadership
• polarised subgroups
• nested identities

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.