A Conversation with Son: Exploring Leadership, Bias, and Belonging in the UK Tech Industry
In our latest Meet the Researcher, we’re excited to speak with Son Luong, a final-year PhD candidate at Edinburgh Napier University, whose research dives deeply into the complex world of human resources, leadership, and unconscious bias within the UK’s rapidly growing tech industry.
Son’s story started with a move to Edinburgh, at just 16-years old, to complete undergraduate studies, and has continued into Master’s studies and now doctorate studies in the pursuit of achieving inclusive change in modern workplaces.
What sparked your interest in pursuing a PhD?
“My journey toward a PhD wasn’t always a straight line – nor was it something I initially planned. I applied just for fun,” she says with a laugh.
But behind that light-hearted beginning was a personal motivation to understand and influence the systems that shape people’s lives at work. Her interest in HR began during her master’s degree at Edinburgh Napier, where a module on employment law sparked something unexpected.
“It was fascinating,” Son recalls. “People spend so much of their lives at work, and employment law really touches on human rights.” Coming from Vietnam, she noticed the contrasts between legal systems and saw potential in contributing to frameworks that could better protect workers.
Son has a passion for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and this runs true in her academic focus. “Unconscious bias really struck a chord with me,” she says. “It made me think – why not dedicate my PhD to something that could lead to real change?”
Research Focus: Conformity Bias, Leadership, and HR in Tech
Son’s PhD explores conformity bias within the UK tech sector, with a specific focus on how leadership can play a transformative role in addressing it. “When I was narrowing down my topic, I realised there are twelve types of unconscious bias. I wanted to choose one that felt both impactful and under-addressed,” she explains.
Conformity bias, which is the tendency to align with group norms, even when those norms are problematic, stood out. “It’s one of the most studied biases, yet it’s still a persistent issue,” Son says.
Her research argues that we’ve spent too long merely admiring the problem, but now we should focus on actionable solutions, something that often starts with leadership. Drawing from high-profile scandals in the tech industry, like those at Blizzard and Ubisoft, Son highlighted the damaging impact of silence and systemic conformity in male-dominated environments. “In cases of harassment or exclusion, people often feel unable to speak out because of the culture,” she explains. Her research examines how leadership, rather than training alone, can shift these cultures meaningfully.
What is the aim of your research?
Son’s thesis is titled “Individual Voices Matter: Conformity Bias and Leadership in the UK Tech Industry.” The goal is to explore how conformity bias is experienced in UK tech spaces and to investigate how leadership can serve as an alternative approach to addressing its impacts. She emphasises that while bias may never be fully eliminated, shifting leadership mindsets can set the tone for more inclusive workplace cultures.
“The problem starts at the top,” she says. “We can’t keep asking employees to sit through training if leaders aren’t doing the same – or worse, if they’re reinforcing the bias.”
Why did you choose to pursue your PhD at Edinburgh Napier?
For Son, the decision to stay at Edinburgh Napier was both practical and personal. Having completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees here, she felt a strong sense of belonging. “There’s a level of familiarity and care here that really matters,” she says. “The staff know you, support you, and genuinely want you to succeed.” She credits her former supervisor, Dr. Lesley McLean, as a pivotal figure in her journey. “She was so supportive, even with my mental health during COVID,” Son recalls. “That kind of care isn’t something you find everywhere.” Son believes Napier’s hands-on, connected approach to research and industry keeps it relevant. “They’re engaging with what’s happening in the real world.”
Best Advice Received During the PhD Journey
Like many PhD students, Son has dealt with imposter syndrome. The best advice she received? “Be critical of yourself, but constructively.” She adds, “The world will always be ready to tear you down – you don’t need to help it do that.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with many doctoral researchers. Being your own harshest critic is easy, being your own advocate takes practice.
Son is an avid artist and regularly streams her work online. Her illustrations – many of which feature Pokémon – have earned recognition in the online fan art community
Unusual Hobbies: Art, Streaming, and Pokémon
To unwind from research, Son turns to digital art. She’s an avid artist and regularly streams her work online. Her illustrations – many of which feature Pokémon – have earned recognition in the online fan art community. “It’s validating to see people enjoy your art,” she shares. Son works primarily on Procreate and goes by the handle @sonshine_arts across social media (X/Twitter, BlueSky & TikTok), a playful blend of her name and her outlook “It keeps me grounded.”
Through her streams on Twitch, Son has developed a community of art lovers from around the world, that she connects and chats with about all aspects of life, including art and studying in Edinburgh.
In Conclusion
Son’s PhD journey is a testament to the power of voice, leadership, and inclusion. Through her research, she’s not only challenging long-standing issues in the tech industry, but also opening the door to real cultural change. By highlighting how leadership shapes workplace dynamics, Son hopes to create environments where every voice can be heard – and where no one has to conform to belong. With her vibrant mix of research, resilience, and creativity, Son is poised to make a meaningful mark – not just in academia, but in the world.