Academic citizenship through the lens of the psychological contract: A qualitative study of UK business schools
Abstract
Many would argue that much of the higher education sector is reliant on goodwill, including the willingness to work with and support colleagues in the fulfilment of the fundamental roles associated with being an academic, this research suggests that a fundamental part of this is reliant on how the individual’s psychological contract manifests into academic citizenship. Research into the psychological contract of academics is limited. Similarly, there is also limited research into the concept of academic citizenship. This paper considers the concept of academic citizenship through the lens of the psychological contract, suggesting the notion of academic citizenship is borne out of the employment in and the perception of the academic role. The research made use of an interpretivist design using a series of semi-structured interviews. Following a qualitative base the study draws on the lived experiences of eighteen Business School academics across nine Universities. Using thematic analysis to draw out key themes and linkages, the research provides an overview of the employment relationship with employers and colleagues. The paper provides an understanding of individual behaviour in the workplace which is crucial to effective performance management and employee engagement. As such this paper contributes to understanding academics within the workplace and their responses to the behaviour of others. The research brings together two constructs which have not previously been considered, noting the inter-relationship between the two.
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