Academic practice in transition: hidden stories of academic identities

Abstract

Academic work is becoming increasingly restrictive and controlled as tertiary institutions move towards a more corporate managerialistic mode of operating. This paper uses a narrative lens to explore the ways in which academic staff make sense of this new environment. In particular, it compares academic staff's stories of their worklife with the official organisation – representative stories promulgated by the university. The study examines the ways academic staff make sense of their workplace when the corporate stories no longer reflect their views of work, institution or personal values. Data gathered during a world café event depicts two constructions of academic identity and compares these private stories with the public stories provided by the university. The paper concludes by addressing some of the concerns inherent in the loss of plurality that occurs when tertiary institutions move towards an homogenised environment.