A Conversation with Yelena: Insights from a First-Year PhD Student
In this blog post, we meet Yelena, a first-year PhD student at Edinburgh Napier University. With a background in human resources (HR), and a strong desire to make a meaningful contribution to organisational sustainability, Yelena shares the inspiration behind her research, her academic journey, and how she balances her professional and personal life.
What sparked your interest in pursuing a PhD in your field?
“I was already an HR professional with experience, and I was always interested in the best HR practices that can help organisations build sustainability, but I wanted to make a real impact and help shape future organisations, and I realised the potential to make a significant contribution through research.” she explains. “The labour market is in constant flux, with emerging trends continuously reshaping how businesses operate and this dynamic nature of the workforce intrigued me, fuelling my decision to pursue a PhD.”
Research Focus: HR Practices and Organisational Culture
Yelena’s research focuses on a complex and underexplored area: “The Social Exchange Co-Production of HR Practices in Organisational Culture from a Pluralist Point of View.”
At the core of my research is the belief that organisational culture is not simply a top-down phenomenon dictated by management. Instead, it is a complex system influenced by various subcultures within an organisation, such as those in specific departments or branch locations. My interest in this area began during my Masters at Edinburgh Napier University. During my masters studies I found the literature on organisational culture was very interesting,” she recalls. “I realised that there was a huge gap in understanding how organisational culture is truly formed, and the role HR practices play in this process.”
Yelena’s own professional experience also informed her research. She noticed that many organisations struggle to establish a strong organisational culture and started to think that maybe they’re overlooking the impact of subcultures within their workforce. This realisation led Yelena to explore how these subcultures affect HR practices, particularly in mid- to large-sized organisations. She believes this insight could provide organisations with a deeper understanding of how to foster a more effective and sustainable culture.
What is the aim of your research?
Yelena’s working title is “The Social Exchange Co-Production of HR Practices in Organisational Culture from a Pluralist Point of View.” Her main aim is to uncover the complex relationships between organisations and the subcultures within them.
“I’m analysing how HR practices affect the quality of these relationships,” she explains. “It’s not just an exchange of benefits for expected behaviour; there are deeper mechanisms at play.”
Yelena plans to focus on higher educational institutions, particularly universities, and explore how these subcultures impact organisational culture and HR practices. “I aim to shed light on what drives these relationships and how they can be better understood in the context of HR practices,” she says.
Why did you choose to pursue your PhD at Edinburgh Napier?
I was influenced by my positive experience during my master’s studies at the university. The support I received was fantastic,” she says. “I had great supervision and guidance, which made me feel confident in pursuing a PhD here.” Yelena’s academic journey was also enriched by a placement during her masters, providing her with firsthand experience in the workplace. This practical experience gave her a deeper understanding of how organisational culture is shaped in real-world settings. “I couldn’t imagine a better place to continue my studies,” Yelena adds. “The support from my supervisors and the academic environment at Edinburgh Napier have been vital in my growth as a researcher.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your PhD journey?
“I’ve been lucky to receive support before I even applied for the PhD,” she says. “My supervisor helped me shape my research proposal even before I started my PhD, which gave me a strong foundation.” Yelena emphasises the importance of critical conversations and engaging with key literature in her field. “Through my conversations with my supervisors, we are uncovering areas for research that I never considered before, which has been both challenging and rewarding.”
Do you have any fun or unusual hobbies that help you unwind from academic work?
Balancing the demands of a PhD with relaxation is essential, and Yelena finds that physical activity and spending time with her daughter are the perfect ways to unwind. “I really enjoy horse riding at the moment,” she says, “and there’s a great riding school just outside of Edinburgh. I also enjoy spending time with my daughter, whether it’s swimming or other active hobbies. Being active with my daughter helps me step away from the academic pressures of my research.”
Yelena has also found fulfilment in contributing to other research projects. “I’ve started working as a research assistant on a project at Edinburgh Napier, and I find that it’s a great way to mix up the reading and research, which keeps me motivated,” she adds. Engaging in projects outside of her own research helps her develop new skills while providing a break from her own work.
In Conclusion
Yelena’s PhD journey is still unfolding, but her dedication to exploring organisational culture and HR practices is already yielding valuable insights. Her research promises to offer a fresh perspective on how subcultures within organisations influence HR practices and organisational sustainability.