The Role of Generative AI in Employment Relationships

About the Project

Generative AI is increasingly used throughout the employee management cycle. While employees converse with AI-powered chatbots during recruitment and selection, algorithmic performance management may be used to support managers’ appraisal decisions. While practitioners and scholars debate the effects of generative AI in terms of efficiency, bias, and motivation, there is less attention for what it means for the employment relationship. The psychological contract, i.e., an employee’s individual perception of the exchange relationship they have with their employer (Rousseau, 1995), offers an important way to capture the employment relationship. Yet, how do employees perceive, experience and evaluate the psychological contract with their employer when generative AI is increasingly used to signify what is exchanged between employer and employee, or when generative AI acts on behalf of the organization in its exchange with employees? While a few studies have been conducted in this area, there is relatively little knowledge on how generative AI shapes or redefines psychological contract development and evaluation.

This PhD project is part of a larger research program focused on gaining a better understanding of the role and effect of generative AI in psychological contract processes. The broader research program uses exploratory, immersive, and quasi-experimental methods. Accepted PhD candidates will develop their own research proposal within the confines of the overarching research program.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Melanie De Ruiter

Duration: 5 years, depending on progress

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