The Formation, Governance and Business Models of Fair Trade: Managing North–South Relationships in Commodity Markets (PhD Studentship)
University of York, School for Business and Society
York, United Kingdom
The University of York is offering a fully funded PhD studentship within the School for Business and Society focused on the governance, formation, and business models of Fair Trade organisations. This project investigates the development of Fair Trade enterprises and their role in shaping sustainable and ethical commodity markets, with particular emphasis on North–South relationships and long-term organisational governance structures.
The research is centred on a unique historical and archival study of Fair Trade enterprises associated with the late Robin Murray, including Twin Trading and related organisations such as Cafédirect, Divine Chocolate, Liberation Nuts, and Agrifair. The project draws on archival materials held at the Borthwick Institute of Archives and explores how these organisations initiated, managed, and sustained complex stakeholder relationships over time.
The studentship will examine governance trade-offs within Fair Trade models, including how organisations balance commercial competitiveness with ethical commitments. It also explores hybridity in social enterprise, leadership approaches in mission-driven businesses, and the evolution of socially oriented entrepreneurial practices. The research is expected to contribute to multiple fields including business history, social enterprise literature, business ethics, and institutional theory.
The student will be part of a supervisory team with expertise in Fair Trade systems, business history, and organisational governance, and will be embedded within a strong research environment at the School for Business and Society. Training in archival research, qualitative methods, and research development will be provided.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold a strong academic background in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. A Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline are required. Applicants should demonstrate prior experience in self-directed research.
Required expertise/skills
Candidates should have a strong interest in Fair Trade, global business systems, and social enterprise. Experience or willingness to develop skills in historical research methods, archival analysis, and qualitative research (including interviews or oral history) is expected. Strong analytical thinking, academic writing ability, and the capacity to work independently are essential.
Salary details
Annual stipend aligned with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rates (approximately £21,805 for 2026/27) plus full tuition fee waiver at home student rates for three years
Application Deadline
15 May 2026 (5:00 pm BST)