Organizational Behavior (Ph.D.)

Students in Organizational Behavior begin research in the summer preceding their first year by working with an HBS faculty member. Over the first two years in the program, students are encouraged to explore their research interests as they complete relevant coursework. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare and present a dossier that includes a qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement outlining a plan for dissertation.

Students will then prepare a dissertation prospectus, which must be reviewed by a prospectus committee typically comprised of at least three faculty members. The dissertation requires students to develop substantial original contribution to the field of Organizational Behavior; it can take the form of an extended study of one topic or a set of three or more related research papers.

Recent questions students have explored include:

• cross-group relations, stress, and the subsequent effect on performance;
• internal group dynamics of corporate boards of directors;
• organizational mission and its effect on commitment and effort; and
• psychological tendencies and collaboration with dissimilar others.

Entry Requirements Applicants must achieve an SAT score in the range of 1500–1600 to be considered for this program. English language requirements are assessed on a case-by-case basis.