Dr Elisabeth Michielsens

Dr Elisabeth Michielsens


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.


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. 


  • Centre for Employment Research

Sustainable Development Goals
In brief

Research areas

Diversity management, Gender and employment , Research Ethics and Qualitative Research

Skills / expertise

Qualitative research

Supervision interests

Diversity management and Gender in employment