PhD student HSRI: Wiebke Kantimm

Can you tell us something about you?

My name is Wiebke and I am from Germany, where I have also done my Bachelor as Dual Studies in Business Administration. After having worked in that field for some time, I recognized that I would like to learn more about the “human side” of an organization, and therefore chose to come to Tilburg for doing a Pre-Master in Organization Studies and continued with the Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences. My research will focus on the implementation of new technology in the healthcare sector, which I think is very fascinating, both due to its societal importance and the complexity of the system.

Did cross-departmental research play a role during your bachelor’s/master’s studies? To which extent?

My master thesis was already related to the topic of new technology in Diabetes care. The theoretical lens that I took was organizational, but I benefitted from the practical insights from one of my supervisors, who works in medical psychology. It was at times difficult to combine the medical and practical perspectives of the participants of my study (healthcare professionals) with the more abstract organization theory, but this combination of views also made it so interesting.

What excited you about this multidisciplinary project you applied for?

I am excited about the project as it addresses a real problem. The healthcare system in the Netherlands in under great pressure, given the shortage of staff and the aging population. Technology can be a tool to keep people healthier and thus preventing need for care. However, the implementation of new technologies is difficult, as it comes with new ways of working and shifts in tasks and roles.

Why is cross-departmental research important for your PhD project? What does it add to the project?

Cross-departmental research is important in my project as it helps to give a holistic perspective on the topic. In organization studies, the focus is often the organization itself or higher-level structures/concepts. But it is also important to consider that also individual aspects such as individual experiences and emotions play a role.