Bhavesh Sarna, University of Jyväskylä (Finland)

Bhavesh recently completed his PhD at the University of Jyväskylä, where he focused on corporate sustainability. As he embarks on a postdoctoral researcher role, his work continues to advance discourse in the field, with an emphasis on developing innovative frameworks for inter-departmental collaboration within corporate social responsibility (CSR) and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in organizational settings, for sustainability.

Currently, Bhavesh is actively involved in the KODECET (Knowledge Development for Circular Economy Transition) project, a pioneering initiative that seeks to establish digital centers at universities in India and Thailand. These centers aim to promote education in sustainable and circular economy principles, addressing critical workforce skill gaps in rapidly industrializing regions. This work reflects Bhavesh’s commitment to equipping the next generation of professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary for fostering sustainability.

Here is Bhavesh’s story.

What are some memorable experiences you have had during your time as a PhD student?

During my time as a PhD student, I encountered numerous experiences that significantly shaped my professional skills and personal growth. If I were to highlight the top three aspects of my PhD journey, they would be the development of my research skills, the enhancement of my communication abilities, and experience in managing and accepting uncertainties.

• Developing research skills

One of the most rewarding highlights of my PhD experience has been developing my research skills. I learned to conduct comprehensive literature reviews, design effective data collection strategies, and perform rigorous analyses. Each stage of this process sharpened my critical thinking and enhanced my problem-solving abilities. I gained the confidence and competence to address significant issues and contribute meaningfully to my area of expertise.

• Enhancing my communication abilities

In addition, my communication skills have seen substantial improvement throughout my doctoral studies. The journey of disseminating complex ideas and findings to diverse audiences has taught me the importance of clear and effective communication. Whether I was presenting at conferences or mentoring students, teaching in a classroom, or explaining my work to friends and family, articulating my research in an understandable way was crucial. Such diverse audiences demanded adaptability in my communication style, helping me tailor my messages to resonate with different groups. As a result, I developed not only my written and verbal skills, but also a more nuanced understanding of how to engage others effectively and foster collaboration across disciplines.

• Managing and accepting uncertainties

Perhaps the most challenging but vital lesson I’ve learned during my PhD journey has been managing and accepting uncertainties. The academic landscape can be unpredictable, with factors such as research funding, teaching contracts, and manuscript rejections often out of our control. I faced various setbacks, but I gradually learned how to cope with these challenges. Dealing with manuscript rejections, for example, taught me to remain adaptable and to consider alternative strategies to investigate the data, when faced with rejection. I realized that setbacks are not always failures; instead, they offer opportunities for growth and refining my approach. Embracing this mindset has been transformative in helping me build resilience and position myself for success in future endeavors.

What inspired you to pursue a PhD?

My journey toward a PhD in corporate environmental management and sustainability was sparked by an intriguing observation during my master’s studies: my classmates from different countries understood and defined sustainability in vastly different ways, shaped by their unique cultural backgrounds. This realization inspired me to explore how cultural perspectives influence understandings and applications of sustainability – a topic that continues to shape my research.

Fascinated by this interplay between cultural diversity and sustainable practices, I delved into studying these differences and their impact on corporate strategies. The urgency of global environmental challenges further fueled my desire to uncover innovative and inclusive solutions that align with diverse cultural contexts.

Through my research, I aim to bridge these cultural variations, contributing to a global dialogue on sustainability while empowering future leaders to navigate the complexities of sustainable development. My journey reflects a deep passion for both academic inquiry and real-world impact.

How would you summarize your research project(s) in a short title?

“Understanding Employee-CSR Relationships by Exploring the Microfoundations of Corporate Social Responsibility”

In brief, what is the empirical method/context you have adopted in your thesis?

The empirical methodology in my thesis is rooted in a pragmatist philosophy, emphasizing practical insights and real-world applicability in understanding employee experiences within CSR. This combines a pragmatist research philosophy with a qualitative inductive approach to explore microfoundational aspects of employee experiences within CSR. My thesis adopts diverse methods tailored to each article, focusing on employee–CSR relationships, employees’ perspectives on mandatory CSR regulations, and sensemaking amidst emotionally tense situations tied to sustainability.

• Systematic literature review: A comprehensive review of 331 scholarly articles (from 1990 to 2018) identified patterns and gaps in employee–CSR research, forming a theoretical foundation for further studies.
• Exploring mandatory CSR regulations in India: Data from 152 employees collected via interviews and qualitative surveys to examine perceptions of CSR regulations. A three-stage qualitative analysis recommended by Gioia et al. (2013) highlighted the interplay between regulatory uniformity and organizational diversity.
• Sensemaking in sustainability-related emotions among employees: Interviews with 25 employees of a Northern European energy company explored emotional tensions related to sustainability. Using a case study approach and Gioia’s analytical framework, the study uncovered how employees navigate and rationalize these experiences.

This multi-method approach facilitated a nuanced understanding of employee diversity, micro-CSR, and organizational sustainability.

Can you describe a “eureka moment” you might have had during your PhD?

One of the most profound “eureka moments” during my PhD journey came when I secured substantial funding as project lead for the Knowledge Development for Circular Economy Transition (KODECET) project through the ERASMUS+ program. Initially, I submitted the funding application simply to gain experience in the process, without expecting much, as I was still a PhD student. When the project was approved, I had a transformative realization: one could successfully secure significant project funding even before completing doctoral studies.

This moment was a game-changer for me. It demonstrated that being a PhD student doesn’t limit one’s ability to lead impactful initiatives, build global partnerships, and secure resources for transformative projects. It inspired me to embrace bigger challenges, think ambitiously, and contribute to meaningful work that bridges academia, industry, and sustainability practices on an international scale.

My second eureka moment was realizing that employees genuinely care about sustainability and are eager to take initiatives, both at a personal and organizational level. At an organizational level, employees tend to expect logical, well-structured initiatives that deliver immediate and tangible impacts, benefiting both the business and society, especially when supported by government regulations and strong organizational leadership.

Teaching has been a significant aspect of my contributions. I am particularly dedicated to mentoring students from my home country on sustainability-related topics. Over the years, I have delivered several guest lectures, including sessions on sustainability and circular economy at institutions such as Adani University, Nirma University, and Birla Institute of Management Technology. I have also introduced master’s students to topics like green HRM and change management for environmental sustainability at institutions like the Management Development Institute (MDI) in Gurgaon, India, and Häme University of Applied Sciences, in Finland. Additionally, I have engaged with PhD students, offering sessions on the microfoundations in management research and motivational talks to guide them through their academic journeys.

These experiences have allowed me to contribute to the sustainability dialogue while mentoring and inspiring future leaders. Through my involvement in these initiatives, I aim at advancing sustainability research, fostering collaboration, and connecting academic knowledge with practical applications.

What three tips would you offer to new PhD students in your field?

1. Be very sure about why you want to do a PhD and choose a topic close to your heart. Before committing to a PhD, take the time to deeply reflect on your motivations. A PhD is a long and demanding journey, so having a clear understanding of why you want to pursue it is crucial. Whether it’s your passion for advancing knowledge, contributing to societal challenges, or pursuing an academic career, knowing your ‘why’ will keep you grounded. Additionally, choose a topic that resonates with your personal interests and values. When your research aligns with what you care deeply about, it becomes easier to stay motivated and push through challenges when the process becomes tough, as it inevitably will.
2. Start with an extensive systematic literature review on your topic. A comprehensive literature review is an excellent way to kickstart your PhD journey. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the existing body of knowledge in your field and identifying gaps that your research can address. This exercise sharpens your focus, refines your research questions, and gives you clarity on methodologies and theoretical frameworks relevant to your study. Additionally, it equips you with a broad understanding of key concepts and trends, which is invaluable for writing research proposals, publishing papers, and defending your work during presentations or discussions. Think of the literature review as a roadmap that helps you navigate your field more confidently and strategically.
3. Build a strong network early on. Networking is an essential part of a successful PhD journey. Actively engage with academic communities, participate in conferences, and collaborate with peers and faculty. Building these connections not only enriches your research through new perspectives but also opens doors for mentorship and future collaborations. Attend workshops, webinars, and academic events to stay updated on developments in your field and gain feedback on your work. Networking also helps in building your visibility in the academic world and can lead to valuable opportunities such as joint projects, funding, and postdoctoral positions. Beyond academics, a strong network provides a support system that can encourage and guide you when you face obstacles.

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

As a child, I was always fascinated by stars and constellations, though I never had the resources to own even a basic telescope. Fortunately, I had easy access to Vedic texts, which were filled with celestial references and detailed methods for calculating the positions of planets and stars. I dove into learning these traditional techniques and, out of curiosity, began comparing my calculations with NASA’s data. To my surprise, the numbers often aligned, and when they didn’t, I’d jokingly wonder if NASA needed an update.

Today, my interest lies somewhere between modern astronomy and Vedic traditions, blending the wisdom of ancient methods with the precision of cutting-edge science. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll fund my own telescope through a research grant—because if you can secure funding as project lead for a project before finishing a PhD, why not aim for the stars, literally?

In one or two sentences, what does the GRONEN community mean to you? Or the community of sustainability management scholars more broadly if you are new to GRONEN.

The GRONEN community feels like family to me, having been a part of it since 2018. During the challenging times of the COVID pandemic, the community was especially supportive, organizing numerous online events that kept young researchers motivated and connected through periods of isolation and uncertainty.

What are you doing now? Could you share about your current research projects and interests?

Most of my time is dedicated to the KODECET project. In addition to this, I am actively involved in teaching and supervising both master’s and doctoral students. Like many young researchers, I aim to publish conceptual papers and am currently working on a few ideas whenever I find the time. Hopefully, one of these projects will be completed and published in the near future.

Contact

You can contact Bhavesh by email at bhavesh.b.sarna@jyu.fi or via LinkedIn.
To learn more about Bhavesh’s work and initiatives, visit www.bhaveshsarnav.com.