“My journey toward a PhD wasn\u2019t always a straight line – nor was it something I initially planned. I applied just for fun,\u201d she says with a laugh.<\/p>\n
But behind that light-hearted beginning was a personal motivation to understand and influence the systems that shape people\u2019s lives at work. Her interest in HR began during her master\u2019s degree at Edinburgh Napier, where a module on employment law sparked something unexpected.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was fascinating,\u201d Son recalls. \u201cPeople spend so much of their lives at work, and employment law really touches on human rights.\u201d Coming from Vietnam, she noticed the contrasts between legal systems and saw potential in contributing to frameworks that could better protect workers.<\/p>\n
Son has a passion for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and this runs true in her academic focus. \u201cUnconscious bias really struck a chord with me,\u201d she says. \u201cIt made me think – why not dedicate my PhD to something that could lead to real change?\u201d<\/p>\n
Research Focus: Conformity Bias, Leadership, and HR in Tech<\/strong><\/p>\n Son\u2019s PhD explores conformity bias within the UK tech sector, with a specific focus on how leadership can play a transformative role in addressing it. \u201cWhen 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,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n Conformity bias, which is the tendency to align with group norms, even when those norms are problematic, stood out. \u201cIt\u2019s one of the most studied biases, yet it\u2019s still a persistent issue,\u201d Son says.<\/p>\n Her research argues that we\u2019ve 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. \u201cIn cases of harassment or exclusion, people often feel unable to speak out because of the culture,\u201d she explains. Her research examines how leadership, rather than training alone, can shift these cultures meaningfully.<\/p>\n What is the aim of your research?<\/strong><\/p>\n Son\u2019s thesis is titled \u201cIndividual Voices Matter: Conformity Bias and Leadership in the UK Tech Industry.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe problem starts at the top,\u201d she says. \u201cWe can\u2019t keep asking employees to sit through training if leaders aren\u2019t doing the same – or worse, if they\u2019re reinforcing the bias.\u201d<\/p>\n Why did you choose to pursue your PhD at Edinburgh Napier?<\/strong><\/p>\n For Son, the decision to stay at Edinburgh Napier was both practical and personal. Having completed both her undergraduate and master\u2019s degrees here, she felt a strong sense of belonging. \u201cThere\u2019s a level of familiarity and care here that really matters,\u201d she says. \u201cThe staff know you, support you, and genuinely want you to succeed.\u201d She credits her former supervisor, Dr. Lesley McLean, as a pivotal figure in her journey. \u201cShe was so supportive, even with my mental health during COVID,\u201d Son recalls. \u201cThat kind of care isn\u2019t something you find everywhere.\u201d Son believes Napier\u2019s hands-on, connected approach to research and industry keeps it relevant. \u201cThey\u2019re engaging with what\u2019s happening in the real world.\u201d<\/p>\n Best Advice Received During the PhD Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n Like many PhD students, Son has dealt with imposter syndrome. The best advice she received? \u201cBe critical of yourself, but constructively.\u201d<\/em> She adds, \u201cThe world will always be ready to tear you down – you don\u2019t need to help it do that.\u201d It\u2019s a sentiment that resonates with many doctoral researchers. Being your own harshest critic is easy, being your own advocate takes practice.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Son is an avid artist and regularly streams her work online. Her illustrations – many of which feature Pok\u00e9mon – have earned recognition in the online fan art community<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Son](\"https:\/\/blogs.napier.ac.uk\/tbs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/74\/2025\/06\/pokemon-pride.jpg\")