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