About the Project

Organizations invest heavily in governance frameworks and risk dashboards, yet major failures often stem from human behavior rather than missing procedures. This practice‑oriented project examines how boards and audit committees interpret risk information and how cultural dynamics influence their decisions. Why do “green” dashboards sometimes hide red flags? How do social norms and psychological safety shape whether critical issues are raised—or ignored?

Combining multi‑case studies, boardroom observations, and interviews with directors, (internal)auditors, and regulators, we will map the interplay between formal controls (rules, audits, KPIs) and informal practices (norms, language, status). The aim is to identify mechanisms that foster transparent dialogue, timely escalation, and moral leadership under pressure.

Outputs include: (i) field‑tested guidance for boards to strengthen risk culture, (ii) diagnostic questions and indicators to embed challenge in decision processes, and (iii) actionable recommendations to move oversight beyond compliance.

The project sits at the intersection of accounting, governance, and behavioral science. As a part‑time PhD candidate, you will engage with real board settings, contribute to academic publications, and co‑create practical tools with practitioners. Your work will help boards see beyond ritualized control and build resilient judgment where it matters most: in the room where decisions are made.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Marlies de Vries

Duration: 5 years, depending on progress

Investment: Investment: Year 1 € 4,250, Years 2 & 3 € 9,750 per year, Years 4 & 5 and possible subsequent years € 3,500 per year. Fees are subject to change, no rights can be derived from this information, visit our website listed below for the latest fee information.

To apply:

This project is only available within our Self-Funded Part-Time PhD program. Application is only possible via our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time), which also provides further details around the application package, which includes:

Application essay form (our fillable application essay form)
Title
Proposed research question
Research background & rationale
Methodology
Suggested supervisors at Nyenrode
Personal motivation
Certified copy of your Master's degree or equivalent
Copy of corresponding transcript/grade list(s) from your Masters or equivalent
Curriculum vitae
Reference letter(s)
Photo

Contact:

For further information, please visit our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time) or contact Nyenrode’s PhD School at phd@nyenrode.nl

Beyond compliance: Risk culture and decision making in the boardroom

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Utrecht, Netherlands