Julia Stranzl on being a visiting PhD student at ISK

Julia Stranzl is a doctoral student at the University of Vienna, Department of Communication, in the Corporate Communication and Public Relations research group. As part of her PhD, she investigates how a socio-emotional internal communication strategy can promote employee engagement during crises and prevent them from feeling disengaged at work.

For how long time did you stay at ISK and when?

I was at Lund University for three weeks during the spring of March 2023, specifically in Helsingborg at the campus.

Could you tell us briefly about your experience during your research stay at ISK?

In any case, the open, friendly and very engaging work environment in the department is remarkable. I had very nice lunches with colleagues, valuable feedback discussions and was able to participate through, for example, research talks and my guest lecture. The researchers were very interested in my project and gave me good advice and "food for thought".

Could you tell us briefly something about your PhD project?

In my dissertation project, I examined internal crisis communication based on appreciation during the COVID-19 pandemic from employees perspective: Reasons for appreciation, authentic forms, effects and the role of different communicators

And how did the research stay at ISK contribute to this project?

I was able to discuss the theoretical assumptions of my thesis with colleagues.

Do you have any recommendations for other PhD students who would like to do a research stay abroad?

If you like critical discussions, it is a very nice place to be.