Emotional Labour in Project Delivery Teams
School: Nottingham Business School
Study mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
Starting: 2027
Funding: UK student / EU student (non-UK) / International student (non-EU) / Self-funded
Project overview
While project management scholarship has traditionally emphasised technical coordination, scheduling and risk, comparatively little attention has been paid to the relational and affective dimensions of project work. This project examines the emotional labour required to keep project teams functioning, particularly during periods of pressure, uncertainty or crisis. The aim is to develop a richer understanding of how emotions shape performance, cohesion and resilience in project environments, and what this means for how project roles, leadership and team structures are designed and supported.
Candidates may focus on topics such as:
*How emotional labour affects individual wellbeing, team cohesion and project outcomes
*Cultural, linguistic and hierarchical sources of emotional strain in global or distributed teams
*Emotional leadership during crises and how teams recover and rebuild afterwards
*How digital communication tools change the visibility, intensity and management of emotional labour
*The gendered and racialised dimensions of emotional work in project environments
Applicants should have a background in management, organisational psychology, or related disciplines, with strong qualitative or mixed-methods skills. An interest in the emotional and relational side of work is essential.
Supervisors
Entry qualifications
Management, organisational psychology, or related disciplines. Strong qualitative or mixed-methods skills required. Interest in the emotional and relational side of work essential.
How to apply
Applications for January 2027 intake close on 1st October 2026. Please visit our how to apply page for a step-by-step guide and make an application.
Fees and funding
This is a self-funded PhD project for UK and International applicants.
Guidance and support
For more information about the NBS PhD Programme, including entry requirements and application process, please visit: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/course/nottingham-business-school/res/this-year/research-degrees-in-business
Nottingham Business School is triple crown accredited with EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA – the highest international benchmarks for business education. It has also been ranked by the Financial Times for its Executive Education programmes in 2023 and 2024. NBS is one of only 47 global business schools recognised as a PRME Champion, and held up as an exemplar by the United Nations of Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME).
Its purpose is to provide research and education that combines academic excellence with positive impact on people, business and society. As a world leader in experiential learning and personalisation, joining NBS as a researcher is an opportunity to achieve your potential.
Still need help?
Contact Dr Chinomso Nwagboso on:
- Email: chinomso.nwagboso@ntu.ac.uk