A1 Journal article (refereed)
Change and continuity in the academic profession : Finnish universities as living labs (2020)

Siekkinen, T., Pekkola, E., & Carvalho, T. (2020). Change and continuity in the academic profession : Finnish universities as living labs. Higher Education, 79(3), 533-551. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-019-00422-3

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Siekkinen, Taru; Pekkola, Elias; Carvalho, Teresa

Journal or series: Higher Education

ISSN: 0018-1560

eISSN: 1573-174X

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 79

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 533-551

Publisher: Springer

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-019-00422-3

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/65160

Abstract

The academic profession is challenged by the changing environment. Global trends, such as managerialism and new public management, have been influencing all public organizations, including universities. The academic profession is dynamic by its nature; it reflects any changes in its environment. However, the academic profession is also characterized by continuity. In this study, we describe the current changes and continuities of the academic profession in Finland, as perceived by top and middle managers employed in Finnish Universities. We found out that logics and values by organizational professionalism are emphasized; however, occupational professionalism is also deeply rooted in the practices of Finnish universities. Additionally, we found out that changes are often associated with managerial values, such as control and evaluation, and in contrast, the continuities of academic work are commonly related to professorial authority and academic identity. These two aspects of the profession and organization are not opposite, they occur simultaneously; however, there are tensions between them. In this article, we would like to emphasize that change of the academic profession is a hybrid, there exists both, changes and continuities in the logics and values related to the profession and the organization.

Keywords: universities; professions; leadership (activity); management culture; change; managerialism; professionalism

Free keywords: academic profession; managerialism; new public management; change; universities

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 3