A1 Journal article (refereed)
Experiences of arbitrary management among Finnish academics in an era of academic capitalism (2022)
Nikkola, T., & Tervasmäki, T. (2022). Experiences of arbitrary management among Finnish academics in an era of academic capitalism. Journal of Education Policy, 37(4), 548-568. https://doi.org/10.1080/02680939.2020.1854350
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Nikkola, Tiina; Tervasmäki, Tuomas
Journal or series: Journal of Education Policy
ISSN: 0268-0939
eISSN: 1464-5106
Publication year: 2022
Publication date: 03/12/2020
Volume: 37
Issue number: 4
Pages range: 548-568
Publisher: Routledge
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02680939.2020.1854350
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/73021
Abstract
For the last two decades, Finnish universities have faced the implementation of new systems of control and undergone dramatic changes that have worsened academic working conditions – such as corporatisation and budget cuts. This article explores Finnish academics’ experiences of university reforms with a special focus on the consequences it has had in terms of organisational socio-dynamics. We adapt Glynos and Howarth’s logics of critical explanation and apply this theoretical framework to analyse the interviews of academics who, against their own will, did not have their contracts renewed. This approach describes, explains, and criticises the logics – which are social, political and fantasmatic – behind the existence, continuation, and transformation of practices that are very real. Our research findings suggest that there are situations in which experiences of opaque management may occur at university. Academics often found the decision-making processes to be unpredictable and ambiguous, leading to a precarious working atmosphere. Combining the logics approach with micro-level data analysis, we developed the concept of arbitrary management, offering new perspectives for understanding the mediation between social practices and structural reforms. This micro-political analysis provides a new take on how ideologies operate at university in an era of academic capitalism.
Keywords: system of higher education; institutions of higher education; working life; leadership (activity); management culture; capitalism
Free keywords: academic capitalism; arbitrary management; higher education; logics of critical explanation; university work
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2023
JUFO rating: 3