Department of Organization
The Department of Organization explores organizational processes and challenges from a problem-oriented, interdisciplinary social science perspective, focusing on the role of transforming business with society through research, teaching and outreach.
About the department (Panel content)
Who we are
At the Department of Organization, we engage with business and society through our research and teaching to address pressing challenges and contribute to public problem solving. We communicate actively about our research findings and strive to be innovative in our teaching of students. Organizing for a responsible society is a prime driver, and we invite you to a dialogue about common challenges
80 researchers
13 administrative staff
125 external lectures
Insights and events
Societal impact
We focus on how interdisciplinary approaches to organizing can help address important and grand challenges. In a nutshell, we employ our research-based knowledge on organizations and organizing practices in a political-economic context to explore and analyze problems and issues that matters for life in organizations in society
We have a Research Communication prototype that focuses on exploring, engaging and empower
Our research spans private companies, public institutions, and NGOs, contributing to more inclusive, transparent, and resilient organizational practices.
About us
Strategy
There are five interconnected areas upon which IOA will focus on strategically in the coming years:
(1) We explore important societal challenges and address them from the vantage point of the department’s research areas,
(2) We seek external funding in relevant places that will enhance our research agenda
(3) We communicate about our research to relevant stakeholders in organizations.
(4) We teach in original ways and in areas of importance to CBS and we keep exploring the masters (kandidat) reform and the changes it brings,
(5) We take care of each other and foster a safe and healthy work environment
Head of Department
“At the Department of Organization, we engage with business and society through our research and teaching to address pressing challenges and contribute to public problem solving. We communicate actively about our research findings and strive to be innovative in our teaching of students. Organizing for a responsible society is a prime driver, and we invite you to a dialogue about common challenges”
Carsten Greve, Head of Department
History
Since its establishment in 1953, the department has been a leading international research environment for organization theory and organization studies. Since then, the department has expanded its focus to integrate research on organizing as it relates to political economy, as connecting organizations to how societies are governed and replicated is important. We strive to maintain and extend this heritage by prioritizing ambitious collaborative research projects, recruiting and developing talent, and collaborating with international research institutions, public and private organizations and industries, as well as with our students.
The department was established by Torben Agersnap and colleagues in 1953 as Department of Organization and Work Sociology – IOA (the A stands for’arbejdssociologi’ in Danish). In 2007, the name was shortened to Department of Organization, but kept the abbreviation ’IOA’.
Collaboration and outreach
Organising Green Transition
Sustainability is a core principle at the Department of Organization (IOA), shaping our research, teaching, and daily practices. We aim to contribute to society by exploring how organizations can be governed responsibly in response to global challenges. IOA supports CBS’s Green Transition Initiative and seeks new ways to drive sustainable change. In 2023, faculty initiated a mapping of sustainability-related research, which was funded and expanded in 2024. This grassroots project highlights IOA’s proactive role in advancing the sustainability agenda—within CBS and beyond.
Our mission is to sustain and grow IOA’s momentum in sustainability. We aim to keep CBS and IOA’s community engaged and aware of our department’s transformative potential. Through seminars, teaching cases, master classes, and collaborative research, we explore how sustainability can be embedded in organizational life. This growing portfolio of activities invites students, researchers, and professionals to take part in shaping a more responsible future. On this site, you’ll find a curated overview of IOA’s sustainability efforts—demonstrating how academic research can support the green transition.
Organising Green Transitioning (continued - temporary title)
Everyday practises
IOA is an international department with high activity and travel. To reduce its climate impact, IOA follows a strict sustainability policy: minimize air travel, prioritize eco-friendly transport and vegetarian catering, and support remote participation
Green news
IOA researchers contribute to the green transition through publications, panels, workshops, and teaching. Recent highlights include articles on sustainability, climate leadership masterclasses, and international debates on green governance and post-growth futures. You can read more here:... Indsæt link
Sustainability mapping
In 2023, IOA mapped it’s sustainability-related research and teaching. Results showed that 12.6% of IOA courses relate to green transition, and 34 staff contributed to 83 green publications from 2018–2022. The mapping highlights IOA’s growing role in sustainability and climate-focused education and research. Indsæt lin
Organsiation and the ecological crisis - a lecture series
This public lecture series features scholars presenting research on the ecological crisis and organization. Talks highlight practical suggestions for better organizing and explore how academic work can foster new, productive forms of societal engagement. The series promotes dialogue, networking, and collaboration. Indsæt link
Podcasts at IOA
“ Research communication is a natural extension for us from doing research and teaching students. Our department has a tradition for collaborating and working with practice to addressing society’s problem. Engaging, exploring and empowering are our keywords. ” Carsten Greve
Head of Department
Centres and research groups in the department
We have 2 centres and 4 research groups
Centre for Organization and Time (COT)
The Centre for Organization and Time (COT) explores how organizational actors experience…
Centre for Organizational Research on Impact (CORI)
The Centre for Organizational Research on Impact (CORI) conducts research on the relationship…
Events at IOA
Research and publications (Panel content)
Our research
At the Department of Organization (IOA), our research focuses on the processes of organizing and their societal consequences. We adopt a problem-oriented, business-in-society approach to explore how organizations function, evolve, and influence broader institutional and market dynamics.
Our primary research areas include:
- Organization and time
- Organization and impact
- Organization, markets and governance
- Organization, research and innovation
- Organization and people
- Organization, work, expertise and technology
Through empirical curiosity, methodological rigor, and critical thinking, we aim to generate value by producing actionable insights that help organizations navigate complexity, foster innovation, and respond to societal needs.
Impact in society
We contribute to solving societal challenges by:
- Investigating how organizations adapt to economic, technological, and political shifts
- Exploring the governance of markets and institutions
- Enhancing understanding of human relations and daily work practices
- Addressing issues of power, inequality, and sustainability
Our interdisciplinary team draws on traditions from sociology, political economy, anthropology, social psychology, philosophy, and science and technology studies, enabling us to set academic agendas and inform public debate both nationally and internationally.
Publications
See all publicationsFebruary 2026
Reimagining Growth Futures
Overcoming the False Binary Between Green Growth and Degrowth
Jacob Hasselbalch, Associate Professor
Mathias Larsen
January 2026
Learning From Crisis
Enduring Habits as Foundations for Healthcare Resilience After COVID-19
Go to publication3 December 2025
Lektor
De kommunalpolitiske rævekager vidner om et sundt demokrati
Go to publicationOur research groups
Externally funded projects
4 months research stay Magellan Research
Carlsberg Fondet
Private National
PI: Professor Jesper Strandgaard
Start date: 01/09-25, End date: 31/12-25
AI Triage in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Innovationsfonden
Public National
PI: Professor Frans Bevort
Start date: 01/05-25, End date: 30/04-28
Algorithms, Data and Democracy (ADD)
Velux og Villum fonden
Private National
PI: Professor Leonard Seabrooke
Start date: 01/04-21, End date: 28/02-31
Build. Res. on Artificial Intelligence for Innov.
DFF - Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond
Public National
PI: Professor Megan Tobias Neely
Start date: 01/02-25, End date: 31/01-29
CAPACITOR
DFF - Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond
Public National
PI: Professor Susana Borrás Alomar
Start date: 01/05-21, End date: 31/03-25
Chair CBS Executive Anne Mette Møller
CBS Executive Fonden
Private National
PI: Professor Anne Mette Møller
CLONE
Velux Fonden
Private National
PI: Professor Christoph Houman Ellersgaard
Start date: 21/06-22, End date: 31/01-28
DERISK: How Firms Navigate De-Risking Regimes
Research Counsil of Norway
Public International
PI: Professor Johann Ole Willers
Start date: 01/09-25, End date: 31/08-29
De demokratiske deltagelsesformer
Fonden Roskilde Festival
Private National
PI: Professor Christoph Houman Ellersgaard
Start date: 01/10-20, End date: 31/12-23
DiNoBord
Svenska litteratursällskapet i Findland
Private International
PI: Professor Ursula Plesner
Start date: 01/05-22, End date: 30/04-26
Documenting Workplace Inequality
Carlsberg Fondet
Private National
PI: Professor Lasse Folke Kikkert Henriksen
Start date: 01/01-25, End date: 31/12-27
Dynamics of Problematization (GT-DYNPROB)
DFF - Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond
Public National
PI: Professor Trine Pallesen
Erhvervspostdoc Mathilde Hjerrild Carlsen
Innovationsfonden
Public National
PI: Professor Anne Reff Pedersen
Start date: 01/01-23, End date: 31/12-25
Forening af en økosystembaseret (EcoCorp fase 2)
Velux Fonden
Private National
PI: Professor Lise Nederland Justesen
Start date: 01/11-25, End date: 30/10-29
Forskningsophold NOVA, David
Otto Mønsted Fond
Private National
PI: David Cochat Pereira de Castro
Start date: 01/09-25, End date: 31/12-25
Governing Green Transition
Danida Fellowship Centre
Public National
PI: Professor Peter Byrjalsen Gammeltoft
Gæsteforskerophold på SCANCOR - Weatherhead center
Otto Mønsted Fond
Private National
PI: Professor Lise Nederland Justesen
Start date: 28/08-25, End date: 07/12-29
Gæsteprofessorat - Robert A. Phillips
Otto Mønsted Fond
Private National
PI: Professor Annika Dilling
KNOWREL: Network for research on international
Nordforsk
Public international
PI: Professor Stine Haakonsson
Magellan Research Center
Otto Mønsted Fond
Private National
PI: Professor Jesper Strandgaard
Start date: 01/09-25, End date: 31/12-25
Magtudredningen 2.0
Uddannelses- og Forskningsstyrelsen
Public National
PI: Professor Nanna Mik-Meyer
Start date: 01/01-23, End date: 31/12-28
Making distant future actionable
Novo Nordisk Fonden
Private National
PI: Professor Majken Schultz
Start date: 01/01-21, End date: 30/06-25
Mapping Alternative Knowledge (MAKRO)
Carlsberg Fondet
Private National
PI: Professor Oddný Helgadóttir
Start date: 01/04-24, End date: 31/03-27
NAVIGATOR
Horizon Europe (HE)
EU
PI: Professor Eleni Tsingou
Start date: 01/03-23, End date: 28/02-27
Nye introduktionsforløb og borgernære karriereveje
Arbejdstilsynet
Public National
PI: Professor Johan Simonsen Abildgaard
Start date: 01/02-25, End date: 31/01-27
Når teknologier flytter ind
Kræftens bekæmpelse
PI: Professor Vibeke Kristine Scheller
Start date: 15/08-21, End date: 15/08-23
OMF gæsteprof. 2024 Ulla Eriksson-Zettequist
Otto Mønsted Fond
Private National
PI: Professor Signe Lise Vikkelsø
Start date: 01/04-21, End date: 28/02-31
OMTEngage AOM 2025
Carlsberg Fondet
Private National
PI: Professor Silviya Svejenova Velikova
Start date: 01/07-25, End date: 31/07-25
Org af somatiske behandlingsforløb
Carelink Fonden
Private National
PI: Professor Kirstine Zinck Pedersen
Start date: 04/03-25, End date: 30/10-27
Organisering af psykisk sygdom og kræftbehandling
Kræftens bekæmpelse
Private National
PI: Professor Kirstine Zinck Pedersen
Start date: 01/01-26, End date: 31/12-28
Ph.D., International Relations - DDMF
Den Danske Maritime Fond
PI: Marianne Reisby Aarø-Hansen
Start date: 01/01-19, End date: 31/12-25
Ph.d., International Relations - DM
Danske Maritime
PI: Marianne Reisby Aarø-Hansen
Start date: 02/01-19, End date: 31/12-25
Phd International research
SDC Danmark
Public National
PI: Professor George Alan Irwin
Start date: 01/09-23, End date: 31/08-26
Plasten I det cirkulära samhället
FORMAS
Public International
PI: Professor Jacob Adam Hasselbalch
Start date: 01/12-21, End date: 30/11-26
Politiets håndtering af ofre for partnervold
Rådet for Offerfonden
Public International
PI: Professor Elisabeth Naima Mikkelsen
Start date: 01/12-23, End date: 30/11-26
Post Growth Bureaucracies
Carlsberg Fondet
Private National
PI: Professor Jacob Adam Hasselbalch
Post-pandemic Poverty
DFF - Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond
Public National
PI: Professor José Gustavo Ossandón Valdés
Start date: 01/01-23, End date: 31/12-25
Record Keeping in frontline work (RECORD)
Danmarks Frie Forskningsråd - DFF
Public National
PI: Anne Mette Møller
Start date: 01/08-24, End date: 31/01-27
Research stay - University of Edinburgh
Otto Mønsted Fond
Private National
PI: Professor Vera Cathrin Simoneit
Start date: 01/09-25, End date: 30/11-25
Research Stay at Harvard Univeristy, Fall 2025
Carlsberg Fondet
Private National
PI: Professor Lise Nederland Justesen
Start date: 01/08-25, End date: 30/11-25
Research Stay Stanford
Carlsberg Fondet
Private National
PI: Professor Jane Bjørn Vedel
Start date: 01/01-25, End date: 30/06-25
Straid Sexual Transgression in Aid Humanitarian
Danmarks Frie Forskningsråd - DFF
Public National
PI: Professor Morten Thanning Vendelø
Start date: 01/09-23, End date: 21/12-26
Svängdörrar till näringslivet?
Vetenskapsråden (Sweden)
Public International
PI: Professor Christoph Houman Ellersgaard
Start date: 01/01-22, End date: 31/12-25
TAXLAW
Research Counsil of Norway
Public International
PI: Professor Leonard Seabrooke
Start date: 01/04-21, End date: 30/03-25
The impact of big funding
Novo Nordisk Fonden
Public National
PI: Professor Jane Bjørn Vedel
Start date: 01/04-23, End date: 31/12-29
The implications of large-scale grants
Carlsberg Fondet
Private National
PI: Professor Jane Bjørn Vedel
Start date: 01/09-2, End date: 31/08-26
The Politics of Time
DFF- Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond
Public National
PI: Professor Miriam Feuls
Start date: 01/12-25, End date: 31/11-28
Tilblivelsen af forestillinger om partnervold
Rådet for Offerfonden
Public International
PI: Professor Elisabeth Naima Mikkelsen
Start date: 01/06-23, End date: 31/05-23
Time Mirror
DFF - Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond
Public National
PI: Professor Leonard Seabrooke
TITAN
Velux Fonden
Private National
PI: Professor Eva Boxenbaum
Start date: 14/09-25, End date: 30/08-26
Wealth and Value in the Lithium Ion Battery Chain
Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet
Public National
PI: Professor Duncan Edward Wigan
Start date: 01/01-24, End date: 27/06-25
Weaving the fabric of elite bonds (WEB)
Norsk Forskningsråd
Private International
PI: Professor Christoph Houman Ellersgaard
Start date: 01/12-21, End date: 30/11-24
World class science infrastructure - SDC
SDC Sino-Danish Center
Public National
PI: Professor Stine Haakonsson
Start date: 01/10-22, End date: 31/12-25
Education (Panel content)
Our programmes
IOA offers research-based teaching and supervision at all educational levels. Bachelor, Master, PhD and Executive Degrees are considered to be equally important.
Our teaching fosters change agents through research-based, action-oriented pedagogy. We integrate external lecturers via a DVIP strategy and ground teaching in current departmental research. Key areas include organization theory, HRM, leadership, and methodologies.
We aim to develop analytical, critical, and responsible practitioners. Teaching is coordinated by Associate Professor Emil Husted. Quality is ensured through CBS’ Assistant Professor Programme. Our approach blends theory, reflexivity, and practical relevance.
Bachelor Programmes
IOA is offering the following research based Bachelor programmes:
HA i projektledelse
HA PRO giver dig en bred forståelse for virksomheders arbejde med projekter. Du møder forskel…
HA(psyk.) - erhvervsøkonomi og psykologi
På HA(psyk.) lærer du både at forstå, hvordan en virksomhed fungerer og om en af virksomhedens vigtig…
BSc in International Business and Politics
The BSc IBP teaches you how economic and political forces shape a globalising world — and how companies adjust…
BSc in European Business
Department of Organization also provides comprehensive teaching materials that support and enrich the European Business program, ensuring students have access to relevant resources throughout their studies.
European Business is a business economics program with a specialization in European affairs. We take Europe as our starting point because solutions to the challenges faced by Danish companies require knowledge of European economics, an understanding of the importance of cultural diversity in Europe, as well as familiarity with political institutions and processes at both the EU and member state level
Master Programmes
IOA is offering the following research based Master Programmes:
MSc in Economics and Business Administration in Strategy, Organisation and Leadership
The MSc EBA SOL programme is about how strategy, organisation and leadership shape businesses and society. You’ll…
Cand.soc. i Human Resource Management
Cand.soc HRM handler om samspillet mellem mennesker, virksomheder og de krav omverdenen stil…
Cand.merc.(psyk.) - erhvervsøkonomi og psykologi
På cand.merc.(psyk.) lærer du at forstå samspillet mellem mennesker og organisationer. Du læ…
MSc in International Business and Politics
In the MSc IBP programme, you will explore how companies and governments influence each other. You will build sol…
MSSc in Public Management and Social Development
Study in Beijing and explore how public organisations and communities create sustainable solutions to…
Cand.merc. - People and Business Development
Department of Organization also provides comprehensive teaching materials that support and enrich the Cand.merc. People and Business Development program, ensuring students have access to relevant resources throughout their studies.
People and Business Development gives the candidates the keys to understand why and how the organization’s people and human capital becomes the key drivers of business development and transformation in modern organizations.
The people strategies and human capital tools including talent management, people analytics, competence advancement, rewards and compensation are core elements in coping with today’s business challenges like agility, digital transformation and sustainability.
The People and Business Development aims to develop candidates who equipped to do data- and theory based analysis of the highest level and aiming at three specific areas of interest. The concentration is based on the analysis that modern people strategies and human capital, needs to focus on context, value and change in order to make the management and staff working with human capital able fulfil their potential as business partners and change agents.
Executive education
Our PhD programmes
Strong academic community
At IOA, PhD students join a vibrant and supportive research environment. You become part of an international, interdisciplinary community with access to close supervision, peer feedback, and strong methodological training.
A culture of care and curiosity
We combine high academic standards with a collaborative culture. You’ll be encouraged to think critically, work independently, and engage in research that matters—across themes like organization, governance, sustainability, and technology.
Being a PhD student at IOA
...
Impact and career paths for our PhD students
Academic and international career paths
Many IOA PhD graduates pursue careers in academia—at leading institutions in Denmark and abroad. Alumni hold positions at, e.g.:
• King's College London
• IT University of Copenhagen
• Max Planck Institute, Cologne
• Freie Universität Berlin
They contribute cutting-edge research on organizations, governance, and societal challenges.
Bringing research into practice
Our industrial PhDs and other alumni often move into roles in public institutions, consultancies, and global companies:
• VIVE – The Danish Center for Social Science Research
• Novo Nordisk
• Sydbank (ESG)
• Genmab
They use their analytical, methodological, and strategic skills to drive research-based innovation in real-world settings.
PhD programmes within organisation
How to apply
All applications must be submitted through CBS’ online recruitment system. The specific requirements, such as project description, academic transcripts, and CV, are listed in each call. Carefully follow the instructions in the job posting.
Deadline
Each PhD call includes a fixed deadline, which is stated clearly in the job posting. Late applications are not considered. If no open calls are listed, you may wait for the next round or consider applying through externally funded projects.
The application
Your application should typically include:
• A project description (5 pages max)
• CV and academic transcripts
• List of publications (if relevant)
• Documentation of English proficiency
See detailed guidelines under each vacancy.
Programme structure
IOA’s PhD programme is typically a 3-year full-time scheme. It includes:
• Independent research
• PhD courses (30 ECTS)
• Teaching obligations
• International research stay
• Participation in department activities
More details via CBS PhD School.
