A1 Journal article (refereed)
Professional agency in a university context : Academic freedom and fetters (2020)


Vähäsantanen, K., Paloniemi, S., Räikkönen, E., & Hökkä, P. (2020). Professional agency in a university context : Academic freedom and fetters. Teaching and Teacher Education, 89, Article 103000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2019.103000


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Publication details

All authors or editorsVähäsantanen, Katja; Paloniemi, Susanna; Räikkönen, Eija; Hökkä, Päivi

Journal or seriesTeaching and Teacher Education

ISSN0742-051X

eISSN1879-2480

Publication year2020

Volume89

Article number103000

PublisherElsevier

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2019.103000

Publication open accessNot open

Publication channel open access

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68461


Abstract

Professional agency is an urgent topic in academic contexts, albeit relatively unexplored, and elaborated with contradictory conclusions on its extent and characteristics. To contribute to the discussion, this multimethod study investigated professional agency within a Finnish university. We utilised questionnaire data and interviews to explore agency, as manifested in influencing at work, developing work practices, and negotiating professional identity. We found that overall, these three dimensions of agency were manifested fairly substantially, and in a similar manner among the academic staff. The study further emphasises the social nature of professional agency, and presents theoretical and empirical considerations for future research.


Keywordshuman agencyteacherstertiary education

Free keywordsprofessional agency; higher education; multimethod research; teachers; leaders


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Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2020

JUFO rating3


Last updated on 2024-12-10 at 05:31