Shifting occupational identity: doing, being, becoming and belonging in the academy

ABSTRACT

Becoming more scholarly can be challenging for many in the academy, including for those transitioning from professional roles. This paper presents the initial findings of an ongoing action research project that set out to explore and develop aspects of identity among a group of Australian occupational therapy academics. Thirteen participants committed to collaboratively address a personal desire to become more scholarly and an institutional demand to be more productive in relation to research and publication. Through this first phase of an action research process, participants explored and qualitatively defined issues impacting on their occupation. Emergent themes that were explored using an occupational lens incorporating: doing, being, becoming and belonging, highlight identity confusion and regression, mixed perceptions about the comfort and camouflage of teaching and participants' desires to become and be more scholarly. Taking an occupational lens adds to the identity conversation, illuminating how doing within a supportive group nurtures belonging, being and becoming. Our findings, of relevance to academics following non-traditional pathways into the academy, suggest optimism around using action research for the active cultivation of scholarship and occupational theory to understand how academic identity may be developed within a supportive group.

KEYWORDS:

• academic development
• academic identity
• higher education
• occupational therapy
• qualitative research
• teaching

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of all participants in the Growing Scholarship project who generously and openly shared their experiences, and who considered and approved data analysis and reporting of this work. This research was supported by a CPD grant through the authors' institution. The group would also like to acknowledge the support of the Head of Department and extend our gratitude to Professor Annette Street who was a valued critical friend to this project.