PhD Position (Fully Funded): Performance Management Systems and Entrepreneurs’ Health

University: University of Montpellier (France)

Research Unit: Montpellier Research in Management (MRM)

Supervisors: Olivier TORRES, Chaffik BAKKALI

Start Date: September 1, 2026

Funding Period: September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029 (3 years)

Application Deadline: May 3, 2026 (23:59 Paris time)

Selection process: Shortlisted candidates must attend an in-person interview in Montpellier (France) in early July 2026. Remote interviews are not possible.

Project in a Nutshell

Entrepreneurship is frequently associated with high levels of uncertainty, responsibility, and psychological strain, with potential consequences for entrepreneurs’ mental health and well-being. While research on entrepreneurs’ health has expanded rapidly, the role of management control and performance measurement systems as determinants of entrepreneurial health remains underexplored. This PhD project investigates how and under what conditions performance management systems influence entrepreneurs’ stress, mental health, and well-being. It focuses in particular on (i) comprehensive performance measurement systems that provide multidimensional feedback beyond purely financial metrics, and (ii) the entrepreneur’s control environment, including tight versus loose control configurations. The dissertation will contribute to an emerging and policy-relevant research agenda on sustainable entrepreneurship and the health consequences of managerial practices.

Research Questions (indicative)

• When do comprehensive measurement systems reduce perceived uncertainty, performance-related anxiety, and stress?
• Through which mechanisms (e.g., role clarity, richer feedback, clearer mental models, reduced ambiguity) do performance systems affect entrepreneurs’ mental health and well-being?
• How do tight versus loose control configurations influence stress and well-being outcomes, and under what conditions are they beneficial versus detrimental?

Data Access and Field Networks (strong feasibility)

A key asset of this project is access to field networks and existing data sources through the Amarok Observatory (entrepreneurs’ health), which provides access to large-scale survey datasets on entrepreneurs’ health and working conditions. The project also offers opportunities for data collection via institutional business networks and partner organizations (questionnaire dissemination and sampling).

Methods

The project will primarily use quantitative methods based on survey data collected from entrepreneurs/owner-managers, with the possibility of multi-wave and/or longitudinal designs depending on the final dissertation plan.

What You Will Gain

• Structured doctoral training and integration into MRM seminars and workshops.
• Hands-on experience in research design, survey implementation, and advanced quantitative analyses using unique field data (Amarok Observatory and partner networks).
• Possible collaborations with international scholars (e.g., Netherlands/Rotterdam) in entrepreneurship, health, and performance management.
• Opportunities for co-authorship and for presenting results at international conferences, with the aim of developing journal submissions during the PhD.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in management/entrepreneurship, accounting/management control, organizational behavior, or related fields.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research bridging performance management/controls and entrepreneurship/health and well-being.
• Academic writing skills and a good command of spoken and written English.

How to Apply

Email (i) CV, (ii) motivation letter, and (iii) academic transcripts to:

• Prof. Olivier Torrès: olivier.torres@umontpellier.fr
• Prof. Chaffik Bakkali: chaffik.bakkali@umontpellier.fr

We welcome applications from motivated candidates eager to contribute to research on sustainable entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs’ well-being.