

PHD in Organizational Behaviour at Indian Institute of Management Calcutta


Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Organizational Behaviour at Indian Institute of Management Calcutta Kolkata?
This Organizational Behaviour (OB) program at IIM Calcutta focuses on understanding human behavior, group dynamics, and organizational processes within diverse settings. It is highly relevant to the evolving Indian industry, where talent management, change leadership, and organizational development are critical for sustainable growth. The program''''s rigor and research focus differentiate it, preparing scholars for advanced contributions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, and consultants passionate about organizational psychology and management. It targets fresh postgraduates with strong academic records or working professionals seeking to transition into research roles, aiming to contribute theoretically and practically to organizational effectiveness in India and globally through rigorous scholarly inquiry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as faculty in top business schools, organizational development consultants, or senior researchers in think tanks within India. They are equipped to address complex HR and organizational challenges, contributing to strategic decision-making in Indian corporations and public sector undertakings. Salary ranges vary significantly based on role and institution, typically starting from INR 10-15 LPA for entry-level academic positions.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate substantial time to deeply understand quantitative and qualitative research methods taught in the first year. Form study groups, practice statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, Stata) and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo), and critically analyze published research papers.
Tools & Resources
IIM-C Library research databases, Statistical software (R, SPSS, Stata), Qualitative analysis software (NVivo), Online courses on research methods (Coursera, NPTEL), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of research methods is foundational for all subsequent research, comprehensive exams, and ultimately, a high-quality thesis, essential for academic and research careers.
Engage Actively in Seminars and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all class discussions, departmental seminars, and research colloquia. Prepare questions, present your insights, and seek feedback from faculty and peers to refine your critical thinking and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, IIM-C research seminar series, Academic journals for background reading
Career Connection
Develops presentation and argumentation skills crucial for presenting research at conferences and in job talks, fostering academic reputation and networking.
Identify Potential Research Interests- (Semester 1-2)
Explore various topics within Organizational Behaviour by reading extensively in leading academic journals (e.g., Academy of Management Journal, Administrative Science Quarterly, Journal of Applied Psychology). Interact with different faculty members to understand their research interests and identify areas that align with your passion.
Tools & Resources
IIM-C library access to databases like JSTOR, EBSCO, Web of Science, Faculty profiles on the IIM-C website
Career Connection
Early identification of research interests helps in choosing area electives, finding a suitable thesis advisor, and establishing a focused research trajectory.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Specialization-Specific Expertise- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on area-specific compulsory and elective courses to build deep expertise in Organizational Behaviour. Take initiative to read beyond prescribed texts, attend specialized workshops, and start formulating research questions within your chosen sub-area.
Tools & Resources
Specialized OB journals, Working papers from leading research centers, IIM-C faculty guidance
Career Connection
This deep specialization prepares you for the comprehensive examination and positions you as an expert in your specific domain, enhancing your appeal to academic institutions.
Prepare Rigorously for Comprehensive Exams- (Semester 3-5)
Begin preparing for your comprehensive (qualifying) exams well in advance. Form study groups with peers, review all coursework material thoroughly, and practice answering questions from previous exams (if available) or theoretical synthesis questions.
Tools & Resources
All course readings, Lecture notes, Faculty office hours, Peer study groups, IIM-C library resources
Career Connection
Successfully clearing comprehensive exams is a critical milestone, demonstrating mastery of the field and allowing progression to thesis research, directly impacting program completion and future job prospects.
Network with Academic Community- (Semester 3-5)
Attend academic conferences (e.g., Academy of Management, European Group for Organizational Studies, even national conferences like AIM) to present your preliminary ideas, receive feedback, and network with scholars in your field. Engage with visiting faculty and researchers at IIM Calcutta.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites, IIM-C faculty connections, Departmental mailing lists for event announcements
Career Connection
Building an academic network is vital for collaborations, mentorship, job market insights, and establishing your presence in the scholarly community.
Advanced Stage
Maintain Consistent Thesis Research Progress- (Post-Semester 5 (Years 3-5))
Work diligently and consistently on your thesis research, setting realistic milestones and regularly meeting with your advisor(s). Be proactive in seeking feedback, addressing challenges, and refining your theoretical contributions and empirical analyses.
Tools & Resources
Thesis advisor, Research committee, IIM-C statistical consulting services, Academic writing software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley for references)
Career Connection
Timely completion of a high-quality thesis is paramount for graduation and securing a competitive academic position.
Develop Teaching Competencies- (Post-Semester 5 (Years 3-5))
Seek opportunities to gain teaching experience, such as serving as a teaching assistant for PGP courses or giving guest lectures. Develop a teaching philosophy statement and prepare a teaching dossier.
Tools & Resources
IIM-C teaching assistant opportunities, Faculty mentorship, Workshops on teaching pedagogy
Career Connection
Strong teaching skills are often a key requirement for academic positions, especially in business schools, complementing your research profile.
Strategically Prepare for the Academic Job Market- (Final 1-2 years of the program)
Begin preparing for the academic job market 12-18 months before graduation. This involves developing a strong research pipeline, crafting compelling application materials (CV, cover letter, research statement, teaching statement), practicing job talks, and networking.
Tools & Resources
IIM-C faculty mentors, Academic job market forums, Mock interviews and presentation practice
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic preparation significantly increases the chances of securing a desirable faculty position at a leading institution.



