Kranz, Niklas (2022) Workplace Stressors and Culture – Distinguishing International PhD Candidates’ Experiences and Well-being. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Among PhD candidates in the Netherlands, high dropout rates, delay and dissatisfaction are found (van Rooij et al., 2021). At the local level, differences between Dutch and international PhD candidates’ well-being were noted in Groningen (BSS Faculty, 2020). Even though 51% of the PhD candidates are international (University of Groningen, 2019), the empirical knowledge about the academic experiences underlying internationals’ well-being is hardly researched. To close this gap, this qualitative study sought to identify the distinct work experiences of international PhD candidates and to distinguish the stressors relevant for their well-being. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with international PhD candidates of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences (BSS). Based on an inductive approach, I used a thematic analysis to allow for exploration of candidates’ lived experiences. I found that the most relevant stressors for candidates’ well-being were outside of work, or unrelated to culture. Still, five workplace stressors were identified as relevant for well-being: (1) social interactions, (2) organizational structure, (3) the supervisor relationship, (4) harsh feedback, and (5) openness to ask questions. To increase international PhD candidates’ well-being, I recommend the University of Groningen to ease creations of social networks (e.g., by reducing existing language barriers), to inform candidates about the motives of harsh feedback, and to provide more information about the Dutch academic system and the labour market. The main limitation of this study was the researchers’ inexperience with qualitative methods.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Hoek, J.M. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Other [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Mar 2022 15:19 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Mar 2022 15:19 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/276 |
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