Setting Sail: My PhD Adventure Begins
I’m thrilled to be in the final assessment stage of Monash University’s Interdisciplinary PhD Program, where I’m crafting a 2,500-word research proposal to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can shape thriving organizational cultures. With 40 years of leadership experience and a passion for transforming workplaces, I’m collaborating with Professors Zhang and Cooper to blend my practical insights with academic curiosity. This journey is about uncovering how AI can help leaders foster vibrant, people-centred organisations, and I’m excited to share the early steps without diving into too much detail just yet.
Proposal Focus
My research will centre on using AI to better understand and strengthen workplace culture – the shared values, beliefs, and practices that define how teams work together (Schein, 2010). Culture isn’t a static snapshot; it’s a living process that evolves with people and technology (Edmondson, 2021). AI tools, like those analysing employee feedback, offer a powerful way to spot patterns – think trust levels or collaboration gaps – that leaders might overlook. My proposal will explore how these tools can provide insights and guide practical steps to build resilient, engaged teams.
As I dig into recent studies (2020–2025), I’m finding that AI is reshaping HR and decision-making (Tambe et al., 2019), but its role in culture is still a new frontier. A key challenge is ensuring AI doesn’t reduce culture to cold metrics, which could erode trust (Zuboff, 2019). My work aims to keep the human side front and centre, creating tools that empower leaders to nurture thriving workplace cultures.
Collaboration and Challenges
Working with Professors Zhang (HR expertise) and Cooper (data modelling) is a game-changer. They’re guiding my literature review, pointing me to relevant journals to ground my ideas. One challenge is balancing academic rigour with real-world impact – I want my research to produce tools, like AI-driven diagnostics, that leaders can actually use. Another hurdle is navigating the vast scholarship, but my supervisors’ feedback is helping me focus. This process is stretching me, and I’m loving every minute of it.
Charting the Course Ahead
This PhD proposal is the start of an exciting adventure to explore AI’s potential in organisational culture. I’ll share more as I move forward – keep checking in as I progress through the admissions process or drop your thoughts in the comments to join the conversation!
References
Edmondson, A. C. (2018). The fearless organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth. Wiley.
Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Tambe, P., Cappelli, P., & Yakubovich, V. (2019). Artificial intelligence in human resources management: Challenges and a path forward. California Management Review, 61(4), 15–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008125619867910
Zuboff, S. (2019). The age of surveillance capitalism: The fight for a human future at the new frontier of power. PublicAffairs.
