Reference number: 16/2009. Envisioned starting date is 1 June, 2009, although 1 Sept. 2009 would also be possible. Project description: Research has shown the importance of leadership in transformations to more holistic, integrated forms of natural resource management (e.g. ecosystem management and adaptive management) and multi-level governance systems that support such management. A key factor of successful leadership is the ability to create and make productive use of informal social networks among various types of actors. But not all social networks are created equal. The structural characteristic, i.e. the relational patterns aka topology, of a given social network has large implications on social outcomes.
Different topologies are associated with different pros and cons when it comes to dealing with the complex dynamics of social-ecological systems, including uncertainty and abrupt change. Thus, there is interplay between leadership strategies and the way social networks are formed and shaped; an interplay that seems to be instrumental in responding to environmental feedback and in shaping transformations in social-ecological systems.
The project will embrace a dynamic perspective of leadership and social networks, recognizing that transformations in social-ecological systems are typically multi-phase and multi-level processes.
Given that different network topologies are more or less suited for different governing tasks in relation to ecosystem dynamics, the overarching hypothesis is that successful management, as well as potential transformations require a capacity among actors to break up from one network structure and reorganize into another depending on the phase of the management or transformation process.
Assuming that such shifts require leadership key research questions include; What type of leadership do these transitions require? Is it different from the type of leadership for maintaining a certain network topology? What are the specific strategies used?
The applicant is expected to approach these cross-disciplinary questions through empirical case studies using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Cases will be determined at a later stage but will be drawn from ongoing collaborations or contacts inCanada , South East Asia (The Coral Triangle Initiative), Sweden (Samförvaltningsinitiativ för hållbart fiske), or the Baltic Sear egion, and will potential link to ongoing data collection within these collaborations.
As part of the PhD project you will be expected to take part in the transdisciplinary research school at the Stockholm Resilience Centre.
The post is open to all applicants fulfilling the stipulated qualifications. However the following qualities will be particularly meriting. You are interested in combining qualitative and quantitative methods. You may have a background in natural resource management, organizational- and/or management theory, social anthropology or political science.
Knowledge of any or several of the following theories, methods and tools will be highly valued: experience of collecting social science data in the field, ecology, qualitative data analysis, statistical analysis, social network analysis, database development.
Criteria for evaluation:
- Documented field experience and data analysis skills.
- Knowledge in social theories pertaining to the project, such as e.g. organizational theory, network analysis, etc.
- Experiences of scientific work relevant for the position
Terms of employment:
This is a full time position. The salary is set according to the University standard for graduate students. The applicant must also be formally accepted as a graduate student to qualify for this position.
The position will, at most, last for five years (however no longer than the equivalence of four year full time studies). The position needs to be renewed after the first year, and the renewal will last up to two years; then to be followed by another renewal.
The applicant will be evaluated based on his/her ability to fulfill the graduate study program. A successful applicant shall spend most of his/her time on the graduate studies. No more than 20% of a full time equivalent can be used for teaching and/or administrative work at the department.
More information about the position can be obtained by contacting Dr.Örjan Bodin (örjan.bodin@stockholmresilience.su.se), Dr.Beatrice Crona (beatrice.crona@stockholmresilience.su.se) or Dr.Per Olsson(per.olsson@stockholmresilience.su.se) at the Stockholm Resilience Centre & Department of Systems Ecology.
General information can be given by the head of the departmentNils Kautsky , +46 8 164251, nils@ecology.su.se.
Union representatives are Bo Ekengren,SACO , Lars-Åke Säll/ST-ATF and Gunnar Stenberg/SEKO, Phone: +46 8 162000.
Further information on the web
Stockholm University
The Department of Systems Ecology
The handbook for postgraduate students
