New PhD student at MGMT - Lars Kjartan Bacher Svendsen

Hello everyone!

My name is Lars Kjartan, and I joined the Department of Management as PhD fellow on February 1st, 2024. I’m enrolled in the 4+4 program (or 4.5 + 3.5 to be precise), which means that I will be completing my master’s degree in Psychology while engaging in my initial PhD activities. Indeed, my educational background is within Psychology, in which I also hold a bachelor's degree from Aarhus University.

Building on paradox theory, my research project focuses on how leaders perceive and deal with organizational and managerial complexity. More specifically, I want to investigate what characterizes leaders who are capable of dealing with ambiguity and competing demands. Seeking to answer this question, I am grateful to be supervised by professor Jakob Arnoldi (main supervisor) and associate professor Sarah Maria Lysdal Krøtel (co-supervisor).

On a more personal note, I live in Aarhus with my girlfriend. Outside work, I like playing tennis, running, and spending time with my friends and family. Moreover, I have a particular fondness for board games, with Catan being a favorite, and I also enjoy watching TV shows and football games.

Finally, I want to thank all of you for a very warm welcome! I already enjoy being a part of this vibrant department ­­­­­­- full of inspiring people and exciting projects. Please don't hesitate to visit me in my office for a chat or a cup of coffee (Building 2628, Room M407).