PhD Degree in Organizational Behaviour - About, Minimum Qualification, Universities, and Admission 2025-26

PhD Degree in Organizational Behaviour - About, Minimum Qualification, Universities, and Admission 2025-26

About This Course

A PhD in Organizational Behaviour is an advanced doctoral-level program designed to explore how individuals, teams, and organizations function in dynamic business environments. As workplaces evolve with globalization, technology, and cultural diversity, there is a growing need for experts who can understand human behaviour, workplace psychology, leadership dynamics, and organisational development. This program aims to develop scholars capable of conducting original research, advancing behavioural theories, and solving real-world organisational challenges.

The PhD in Organizational Behaviour blends concepts from psychology, sociology, management, human resources, behavioural science, and leadership studies. The curriculum is research-intensive, encouraging students to investigate topics such as employee motivation, leadership effectiveness, workplace conflict, organisational culture, job satisfaction, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and behavioural economics. Many students also explore trending PhD topics in organisational behaviour, including remote work dynamics, AI and human interaction, diversity and inclusion, and employee well-being.

Throughout the program, scholars receive rigorous training in research methodology, qualitative and quantitative analysis, academic writing, and case-study development. They work closely with experienced faculty to produce dissertation work that contributes to both academic literature and industry practice. A PhD in organisational behaviour prepares graduates for careers in teaching, consulting, corporate training, HR analytics, organizational development, and leadership advisory roles.

The demand for organisational behaviour experts is rising across industries, as companies increasingly rely on behavioural insights to improve productivity, strengthen leadership, reduce turnover, and enhance employee engagement. Whether aspiring to enter academia or high-level corporate roles, this PhD program equips learners with the theoretical foundation and practical skills to influence business strategies and shape workplace environments.

Eligibility

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines from a recognized university:

  • Management
  • Psychology
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Human Resource Management (HRM)
  • Sociology
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Psychology
  • Behavioural Science
  • Or any related area

This ensures the applicant has the foundational knowledge required for advanced behavioural research.

2. Minimum Marks Requirement

Applicants should have secured a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent CGPA in their postgraduate program.

  • Candidates from SC/ST/OBC categories may receive relaxation as per university or government norms.
  • Equivalence for grade-based systems is determined by institutional policy.

3. Research Interest & Analytical Skills

A strong interest in workplace behaviour, organisational culture, leadership studies, employee motivation, behavioural psychology, and organisational development is essential.

Candidates must demonstrate:

  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Ability to understand human behaviour
  • Aptitude for research-oriented study
  • Basic understanding of behavioural theories

4. Entrance Examination Qualification

Most universities require candidates to qualify for national or institutional entrance exams such as:

  • UGC-NET
  • CSIR-NET
  • GATE
  • SLET
  • PET (PhD Entrance Test)
  • University-specific research aptitude tests

These exams assess the candidate’s subject knowledge, reasoning ability, and research readiness.

5. Professional Experience (Preferred but Not Mandatory)

Applicants with experience in areas such as HR, consulting, teaching, corporate training, psychology, talent management, or organisational development gain an added advantage.

Relevant experience helps candidates understand real-world organisational behaviour issues, which strengthens their research perspective.

6. English Language Proficiency (For International Applicants)

International students or applicants enrolling in online or global PhD programs may need to submit:

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • Or equivalent English proficiency scores

A preliminary research outline may also be required to demonstrate clarity of interest.


Admission Process For Phd In Organisational Behaviour

Step 1: Application Submission

Candidates must fill out the online/offline application form and upload:

  • Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s & Master’s)
  • ID proof
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Research Proposal (if required)
  • Experience certificates (if applicable)

The application must be accurate and complete to avoid disqualification.

Step 2: Entrance Examination

Eligible applicants must appear for national, state, or university-level entrance tests that evaluate:

  • Organisational behaviour concepts
  • Research methodology
  • Behavioural science fundamentals
  • Logical reasoning
  • Analytical ability

Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage.

Step 3: Interview / Research Proposal Defense

Candidates present their research idea before a panel of professors or research supervisors.

Panel members evaluate:

  • Clarity of research topic
  • Feasibility and relevance
  • Understanding of behavioural studies
  • Motivation and academic preparedness
  • Communication skills

Step 4: Final Selection

Selection is based on a combination of:

  • Entrance exam performance
  • Interview results
  • Academic background
  • Research potential
  • Relevant work experience (if any)

The final merit list is published by the university or department.

Step 5: Enrollment & Registration

Candidates who receive admission offers must:

  • Pay the admission or registration fee
  • Submit original documents for verification
  • Complete departmental formalities
  • Register under an assigned research supervisor
  • Begin coursework before starting detailed research

Some universities may require a mandatory research orientation program.

Future Scope

Career Opportunities After PhD in Organisational Behaviour

1. Organisational Behaviour Researcher

Conducts studies on workplace dynamics, performance, and employee behaviour.

2. University Professor / Lecturer

Teaches organisational behaviour, HRM, psychology, and management courses.

3. HR Consultant

Advises companies on employee engagement, culture, and HR strategy.

4. Leadership Coach

Works with executives to improve leadership style, communication, and decision-making.

5. Organizational Development Specialist

Drives organisational transformation, change management, and capability-building.

6. Corporate Trainer

Designs and conducts behavioral training programs for employees and managers.

7. Behavioural Scientist

Applies behavioural theories to enhance productivity, performance, and engagement.

8. HR Analytics Expert

Uses data-driven insights to improve hiring, retention, and workforce planning.

9. Talent Management Specialist

Develops strategies for leadership development, succession planning, and talent pipelines.

10. Change Management Consultant

Helps companies navigate organisational change, restructuring, or mergers.

11. Employee Relations Manager

Handles employee grievances, conflict resolution, and workplace communication.

12. Behavioural Economics Advisor

Works on decision-making models, incentive structures, and policy design.

13. Workplace Well-being Consultant

Improves mental health programs, wellness initiatives, and stress management.

14. Diversity & Inclusion Specialist

Promotes inclusive culture, gender equality, and multicultural teamwork.

15. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Applies psychology to hiring practices, assessment tools, and productivity solutions.

No universities found offering this course yet.