- Centre for Employment Research
About me
Elisabeth Michielsens - Principal Lecturer
School of Organisations, Economy and Society (SOES)
College: Westminster Business School (WBS)
Education
2016: PhD University of Westminster, HRM "Contextualising diversity management: Challenging the effectiveness of the business case"
1988: "Gegradueerde In De Bedrijfseconomie" (Post Graduate Award in Applied Business Economics) from Catholic University Of Leuven, Belgium, awarded in 1988
1986: Licentiate In Political and Social Sciences from University Of Antwerp (UFSIA -UIA), Belgium, awarded with distinction in 1986.
Teaching
My teaching revolves mostly around research methods, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and the preparation to dissertations. I am module leader for the MA HRM specific postgraduate research methods module. In previous years, I have taught on modules such as International HRM, Sociology or Work, Organisational Behaviour and Equality and Diversity.
Research
My PhD by Publication on "Contextualising diversity management: Challenging the effectiveness of the business case" was awarded in 2016, consolidating 10 years of diversity management research in this field.
In the last 5 years, my academic role has developed from a lectureship in the School of Organisation, Economy and Society (SOES) to being the SOES school research lead.
Other research related activities included interim WBS PhD Coordinator in 2021-22; Chair of the Faculty Research Ethics Committee; WBS PhD Admissions Tutor.
I continue to be involved in equality and diversity related research projects in a European context, in particular with focus on underrepresented or disadvantaged groups: research on gender and racial diversity in STEMM sector and women in manual trades. More recently (2025) publications are focusing on refugees and entrepreneurship activities.
I currently am on the supervisory team for four PhD students, and have supervised 10 other PhD students to succesful completion.
I welcome PHD applications from students who have interests in gender equality and diversity management.
Publications
For details of all my research outputs, visit my WestminsterResearch profile.