Understanding the line manager role: A key influencer of employee wellbeing and engagement?

There have been numerous studies which explore the many factors which enhance or infringe on an individual employee’s well-being and engagement levels, however, the most influential factor is the impact of the line manager on the employee. Although the employee needs to take responsibility for their own engagement and application of their knowledge and skills, the line manager holds the most power in ‘making or breaking’ an individual employee. The impact of this relationship is key as to whether the employee stays in the company and how he or she thrives in the workplace. The line manager’s level of emotional intelligence, self-awareness of their behaviour and development as a person is detrimental to how an employee has the opportunity to use and apply their knowledge and skills to their full capabilities. The line manager’s role can be underestimated in holding the power to staff retention, productivity, organisational reputation, talent management and ultimately, increasing profits for an organisation.

A recent study carried out by the Chartered Institute of Management (2023) shows that “ethical and inclusive leadership needs to be at the top of the organisational agenda”..[as]…”We have witnessed examples around the world of bad management practices and the catastrophic impact these can have on reputation, trust, employee engagement and organisational success" (Chartered Management Institute, 2023:7). Accidental managers or untrained managers can lead to long-term impacts on employee well-being, productivity, toxic work cultures and to the economy at large which is an issue identified by the Chartered Institute of Management (2023).

Poor recruitment and selection processes can lead to managerial appointment who have little or no emotional intelligence nor self-awareness. Unless this issue is addressed, employee well-being and engagement will continue to operate at a superficial level and be merely a ‘tick-box’ exercise. Perhaps the financial implications in terms of ‘missed opportunities’ to increase profits through engaged and well employees could be the turning point to which companies realise the power that the line manager holds in the success of the business.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%

The University offers the following levels of support:

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living