Roles, requirements and autonomy of academic researchers

As an indicator of nations' prosperity and economic competitiveness, research impacts the mounting roles requirements placed upon academic researchers. Internationally, researchers are expected to effectively operate in fast-changing demanding environment. Such effectiveness corresponds mainly their ability establish international interdisciplinary collaborations, secure internal external grants, most importantly deliver tangible outputs. such, this desired excellence researchers' appointments, recognitions promotions. Driven by productivity pursuit excellence, individual autonomy may become restricted. This work is based on (a) study exploring within higher education institutions across 15 countries (b) a relevant literature review. The voices 32 participants portray competencies required from at respective universities. Findings show that role changing pose challenges autonomy. quest along with opportunity-driven decisions not only restrict but also compromise integrity. A nemzetek jólétének és gazdasági versenyképességének egyik mutatója kutatási tevékenység, minek következtében az akadémiai kutatók feladatai, szerepei velük szemben támasztott követelmények egyre gyarapodnak. Nemzetközi szinten elvárás kutatókkal szemben, hogy hatékonyan működjenek gyorsan változó kihívásokban gazdag környezetben. Ebben értelemben hatékonyság azt képességet jelenti, mennyire képesek nemzetközi szintű interdiszciplináris együttműködéseket kialakítani, belső külső támogatásokat biztosítani, ami legfontosabb, kézzelfogható eredményeket nyújtani. Ez elvárt kiválóság befolyásolja munkaviszony-létesítését, elismerését előléptetését. kutatói produktivitás tudományos kiválóságra való törekvés azonban korlátozhatja egyéni autonómiáját. jelen tanulmány egyrészt egy olyan kutatás másodelemzése, amely ország felsőoktatási intézményeiben végzett produktivitást vizsgálta, valamint vonatozó szakirodalom áttekintésén elemzésén alapul. Az említett kutatásba bevont résztvevő válaszaiból adott egyetem kutatóitól megkövetelt kompetenciákról követelményekről kapunk képet. eredmények mutatják, szerepe változik, kihívást jelentenek autonómiára nézve. produktivitásból fakadó nyomás, lehetőségeknek alárendelt szakmai-tudományos döntések nemcsak korlátozhatják autonómiát, hanem integritásukat veszélyeztethetik. Academic have long occupied dual educators researchers; however, past decades, as has overshadowed educators. especially true for research-intensive universities worldwide, globalization internationalization, massification marketization universities, commercialization research, wave assessment accountability, technological advancements together significantly impacted globally (Kyvik, 2013). time progresses, expanding so too expectations regarding performance. In fact, world collaborations order engage joint ventures, funds projects, produce outputs accredited journals. Achievement such equivalent fulfilment defining appointments aim paper demonstrate achieve highly section provides insights into institutional control allocation tasks increased tandem limitations accountability governments' showcased. Carvalho Diogo (2017) explain implementation both dynamic ambiguous; often some areas yet under yoke state others. transformation relationships between academics linked first consequence empowerment actors deals reduced division labor tasks. (p. 30) assessments related particular kinds rated more valuable than other research. Peer-reviewed publications top-tier scholarly journals presses seen “gold standard” perceived essential success; lesser-known or professionally focused outlets gain limited favour. Similarly, supported through grants does require funding. 15) conceived producer mass well services knowledge transfers what governments today call competitive, knowledge-based global economy. managerial model, university accountable, its senior management teams, government must meet specific goals standards provision. (Shore & Wright, 2004, p. 104) On surface, above-mentioned cult can be associated transparency rightful expectation taking responsibility done. However, obsession which essentially acts policing mechanism, fuels sense mistrust, limits ultimately affects quality O'Neill (2002), referring culture trust accurately states “Plants don't flourish when we pull them up check how roots growing” 19). addition, autonomous rather criteria stakeholders' interests, aligned political governmental policies influenced corporate interests competitive educational market. practice, audits forms scrutiny pressure performance indicators little do work. Shore Wright (2004) measures assurance minimal impact improving instead means introducing novel governmentality, bureaucratic rationality control. According audit procedures act against independence, “universities accountable public general it duty maintain freedom intellectual independence” 111). comprehend researchers, need consider interconnectivity grounded. impossible talk about without recognizing connection indicated (e.g., Etomaru et al., 2016; Yang 2007), notion considered levels alike. Although terminology used scholars slightly differ—from (Aberbach Christensen, 2017) scientific (Steinmetz, 2018) (Ruphy Bedessem, 2016)—most concur interconnected 2017; Bergan, 2002). Individual (Moshman, refers academics, while accounts entire institution (Armbruster, 2008). ensures right decide investigation topics, objectives, methods execution influences. Institutional turn universities' self-administration self-governance, including financial matters (Etomaru 2016). implies interference any governing bodies institution's organization, governance, funding arrangements, income generation sustainability, recruitment staff, admission students, teaching activities. Having said that, important recognize funded which, warranties, tool indirect direct influence. subsidy system due maintenance relationship decides activities merit funding—some vetoed others moved direction should project approved. Another way finance organizations, independent experts who evaluate applications. Kori (2016), Europe stems Magna Charta Universitatum Bologna Declaration, address principles democratic Nonetheless, mindful alone ensure autonomy; proclaimed always promote practices reflect freedom. follow professional communities. autonomy, turn, needs framed ethical conduct (All European Academies [ALLEA], University Association [EUA] Science Europe, 2019). statement ALLEA, EUA (2019), society's development depends discoveries advance technologies. Through work, progress; so, they inquire share results. words, grounded It note countries, constitution contains warranties Consequently, level rule law democratization determines measure (Rónay, 2018). many frame these evident functional implications For instance, Soeparwata (2016) reports although contribute generation, traditional systems been accused being inefficient, ineffective, wasteful resources cases low quality. Universities' vital, “sweeping changes governed over recent decades recast meaning manifestations university” (Woelert 2020, para. 1). emphasize increasingly managed top-down management. authors organizational expressed academics' influence decision-making goals, administration, Therefore, fair assume occupying positions having established good influential thus feel confident support assumption, stating “reconfiguring governance models, segmentation seems variable analysing given sub-groups perceive decreasing, acknowledge influence” 13). evident, independence enterprise regarded competitiveness. reality manifests challenging larger qualitative adopted interpretive approach “meaning disclosed, discovered, experienced. emphasis making, description, detail. … meaning-making underscored primary goal understanding social phenomena” (Given, 2008, 465). Prior undertaking study, clearance was secured leading project. evidence responses volunteered complete open-ended questionnaire (developed using SurveyMonkey software). At anonymous data collection (September 2018), were members Comparative Education Society Europe. Participants' connected literature. pool involved females (71%) included 23 professors various ranks, six doctoral postdoctoral three managers. affiliated varied disciplines entities. represented following five continents: Australia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates Kingdom. reported beyond. gathered information demands challenges. Data collected cloud-based software transferred Excel file systematically analysed (Patton, 2014). carefully read, coded, categorized then organized themes. Before coding data, list priori codes crafted study's objectives. An inductive followed moving detailed (text each participant) entries participant new emerging added codes. After all participants, 38 codes, 16 22 Comparable grouped manageable number seven themes participants' relation focus. Stringer (2007) indicates, “All analysis interpretation, major identify clearly represents perspective experience stakeholding participants” 98). Guba Lincoln (1989) credibility assessed extent findings accurate group investigation—in case, To provide authenticity interpretation verbatim quotes incorporated text (Roller Lavrakas, 2015). present cannot generalized, informative prompt further reflection topic. meaningful emerged systematic process. developed subsections paper; namely, restricts subsection, entitled Going Beyond One's Discipline National Border, perceptions have. portrays broaden scope second Requirements Placed Upon Researchers, focuses key (publishing, securing funding, networking) accomplishment. presented conjunction constraints third Challenges Fulfilling Research Requirements, reasons why believe difficult demands. addition usual skills, country expertise range societies. Increasingly there societies own degree respect (i.e., none Western imperialism condescension past). (United Kingdom) Exchanging partners, developing multicultural knowledge, in-depth human rights ethics, issues, communication [foreign] language skills. (Poland) Times changed; aware cultural biases, speak multiple languages, issues different comes (Italy) Using languages mother tongue; preferably one foreign language; home least two cultures; connections community. (Hungary) Most indicate researcher performed context needed current environment extensive had previously acquired. theoretical specialized field enough competence. engagement cross-national projects excellent cross-cultural sensitivity differences. includes adaptability complexities contexts set local customs, regulations. echoes expectations. Currently, outside context, familiar diverse cultures, norms worldviews communities (Niemczyk, Jensen al. (2019) report go beyond national borders narrow disciplinary frameworks look holistic approaches solve issues. demand multidisciplinary Hickerson century's change, cross-disciplinarity (Klein, 2020) trans- post-disciplinarity (Kravchenko, 2020). Guenther (2020), last decade brought significant (amongst digitalization ways sharing) force leave so-called ivory towers. Publish, publish, PUBLISH journals—preferably internationally accredited, ISI-journals. Nothing else even close demand. (South Africa) my institution, associate (likewise full professors) employees hence bound “teaching productivity” contract, pressing terms (the highest better) type valued those [nationally] ranked top journals, book chapters books). Moreover, increasing partaking collaborative, externally funded. constructed trend publish competence result increase fraudulent activity integrity Participants provided examples unethical observed known choosing publication incentives, deciding authorship power-position opposed actual contribution made, students' theses purposes consent. seem adhere regulations publishing goes saying promotes compliance stewardship, proper training, clear policies. Barnes warns consequences pressures choose topics probability earn citations. Lawrence (2002) notes lead misconduct. end, behaviour co-authors, substantial written piece; abundance articles modest dataset; use conducting studies; process expense getting fast (Niemczyk Rossouw, Several alarmed artificially generated negative results restriction Te'eni choice analysis, collaborators umbrella Nathan Shawkataly earnings. Some willing papers result, metrics rankings External nature (Cyprus) measured grant applications, PhD supervisions, publications, subjects delivered, courses (non-standard) money in, co-authored multi-institutional grants. (Australia) Referring science McGinn claim climate heightened anxiety, loss confidence lack system. rely progress projects. support, if area aligns agenda Hedgecoe, Steinmetz, explores agenda, decline financially. locate institutions, involves competition. Kyvik (2013) “Collaboration prerequisite puts capacity network colleagues disciplines, borders, negotiate proposals manage complex projects” 536). Woelert al.'s (2020) Australian understand found practical realization closely adequate (including financial) time. restricted bureaucratization thematic focus strategic orientation schemes. With make growth, implemented steer direction, seek additional sources develop closer links private sector Very often, you write certain (to fit your group, “profile” promises made applications) would prefer differently. (Germany) Not doing I want, calls available. presumed creation occurs undertake (for them) impositions alter commercial purposes. literature, imposed priorities offer Aberbach Christensen argue market-based dependencies strongly affect productivity. Externally funders' points view, avoiding politically sensitive shame part society (Hedgecoe, possibly could enhanced hindered sources. warn donors interfere resources. Government's access participation rates meeting developmental jeopardy steady education. involvement education's identity determine directions, functions. 423) Diversity stakeholders stream enhance former, remuneration reform entrepreneurialism bolster strengthening weight significance pursuits. 153) [Research demands] very because peer-review poor proofreading support. (Russia) difficult. Sometimes like something administrative tasks, search jobs consume lot Or, actually empirical material just cycles short. Basically time—we get allocated our demands, take time, less. Also meetings long; there's inefficiency. (Netherlands) competing affected success, since One noted aiming accomplish dangerous well-being: “Most instructions [to productive] seriously, sick/ill sooner ever before history mankind—especially cancer cancer-related illnesses” Africa). suggest fulfilling perilous Yet, instances, obliged avoid feeling left behind substandard decrease directly perception professionals careers. Certain positional power maintenance, increase, 12) depend factors, position occupy structure. confirms somewhat consistent regardless geographical location standing. Regarding expectations, initiatives reach borders. contexts. costly (Chinchilla-Rodríguez match requests made. short, generate less alarming proven emphasizing quantity (Higginson Munafò, Leisyte Dee, 2012). detrimental well-being (Carson 2013; Higginson academies worldwide empowers extension cases, misused serve agendas. same situation reflective return Scholarly Diogo, Niemczyk 2019) showed price relinquishing supporters. Because comply outlined align plans preferences. Since much competition, failing partial rejection application funds. alignment Rónay Niemczyk, draw attention dependence funders limit find earlier, opportunity-based decision surplus dataset, excessive conducted decisions. Researchers seeking employment, promotion, tenure appraisal dependent track record trapped race (Rónay expansion production makes consuming keep changed institutional, societal compete rapidly environment; occur practices, supportive leadership healthy competition—not evaluation growing practices; rewards excellence. Considering generator undesirable angles, reconsidered institutions. Ethical takes rushing lower drop incentives introduced motivate There risk motivated primarily desire We experiment assessing place value quantity, protect safeguard Maintaining face threats requires vigilance mechanisms appropriate age connectivity. fundamental interconnectedness freedom, scholarship, 8247)