Understanding how social value is considered, created, and delivered in public and private sector organisations

Social value is advanced as the practical vehicle for working towards the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Co-creating social value occurs through interactions of multiple actors, such as project partners in a network of operations working together to make a difference. Often the partners’ priorities and mission vary

widely, and it may be challenging to maintain focus and momentum on creating and delivering social value, especially when other pressing business concerns (such as economic constraints) are brought to the fore. Many organisations have established specific departments and roles dedicated to such work. Reports show this approach may not be sustainable (see for example Hicks, 2024).

We call for research proposals for a PhD project that studies the interactive processes and practices through which stakeholders work together in considering, creating, and delivering social value. This raises questions of who and how do different actors get involved and take ownership for such processes and with which consequential effects. A project may study how such processes are organised within or across public and private sector organisations. We want to investigate good practice and the enablers for creative thinking and proactive and/or innovative action in this space. A project may shed new light on how project partners negotiate and re-negotiate their terms of collaboration, and how they handle competing priorities, so as not to compromise the social outcome/impact.

Methodologically, a project may combine elements of different strategies and methods, such as ethnographic and participatory action research, interpretive qualitative research, or gendered strategies, narrative procedures, or coaching tools. Sectors of interest may involve construction, engineering, infrastructure, built environment, energy, entrepreneurship, and/or professional services.

The project offers scope to enlighten and deepen understanding of social value in practice. Although legislation, such as the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 in the UK, and developments in government policy worldwide have been influential in setting and increasing expectations for investment in this space, the multifaceted nature of the construct (i.e. social value means different things to different people/ projects/ organisations) has meant that the distance between those who have embedded social value as a strategic priority into the organisational being and those that work to a compliance approach is widening. Ultimately, the PhD candidate will be able to contribute to the practical and theoretical development of this important area.

The PhD project will aim to critically review current practice and engage with practitioners in this area to develop an in-depth understanding of what works well in managing and delivering social value in organisations and what are the key challenges, how these could be overcome, and what theoretical frameworks could be employed/ developed to enhance practice. It contributes to NTU’s ‘Safety and Sustainability’ research theme, with a focus on developing sustainable strategies for business and society.

Nottingham Business School is triple crown accredited with EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA – the highest international benchmarks for business education. It has also been ranked by the Financial Times for its Executive Education programmes in 2023 and 2024. NBS is one of only 47 global business schools recognised as a PRME Champion, and held up as an exemplar by the United Nations of Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME). 

Its purpose is to provide research and education that combines academic excellence with positive impact on people, business and society. As a world leader in experiential learning and personalisation, joining NBS as a researcher is an opportunity to achieve your potential.

Applications for October 2024 intake closes on 1st August 2024 and applications for Jan 2025 intake closes on 1st October 2024.