Institutional culture and career progression of mid-career academics
Abstract
Purpose Academia cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of all (Athena SWAN, 2015), to achieve this, institutions need to continuously work on becoming more inclusive and institutional culture is crucial in achieving this. It was therefore important to explore this phenomenon in the setting of UK post-92 institutions. Methodology This qualitative study aims to understand workplace experiences of mid-career academics pertaining to career progression and the effect of institutional culture on this. This was achieved via semi-structured interviews with data analysed with the use of thematic analysis. Findings The results revealed themes of “cruel optimism”, discrimination and vague progression career criteria. Additionally, when employing intersectionality, it was revealed that the female academics with caring responsibilities, migrant academics and first-generation scholars were particularly affected. Research limitations This research is mainly limited by its focus on STEM academics. Whilst it is expected that academics in other academic fields would have similar experiences, it would be advisable to conduct a study with participants outside of STEM. Originality The originality of this research lies in exploring the highlighted issues in the UK setting with a particular focus on post-92 institutions and mid-career academics who are universally an under-researched faction in academia, as well as moving beyond the scope of gender and using an intersectional lens when interrogating experiences of participants.Citation
Mondokova, A., Suresh, S. and Renukappa, S. (2024) Institutional culture and career progression of mid-career academics. Beyond Futures - Festival of Research & Innovation 2024, 16th-18th July 2024, University of Wolverhampton, pp. 115-122.Publisher
University of WolverhamptonType
Conference contributionLanguage
enDescription
Paper delivered at Beyond Futures, Festival of Research and Innovation, Tuesday 16 – Thursday 18 July 2024, University of Wolverhampton.ISSN
2634-2014Collections
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