Understanding relationships between academic staff and administrators: an organisational culture perspective

Abstract

This study attempts to advance the understanding of relationships between university academic staff and administrators through information in interviews with 18 academic staff members and 18 administrators at a large public research university in the United States. Through exploring the first‐hand insights and perceptions of interviewees from an organisational culture perspective, the findings suggest three patterns of relationships: professional, differential and fragmentary. The results also address the cultural subjectivity, diversity and complexity embedded in each pattern. Understanding the complex perceptions of relationships between academic staff and administrators should raise the sensitivity and awareness of individuals in their appreciation of how relationships are constructed, and help to reflect upon cultural characteristics in an academic organisation.

Keywords:

• academic staff
• administrators
• organisational communication
• organisational culture

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges the insightful feedback and suggestions of Dr Brent Ruben. The data for this manuscript are part of the author's dissertation project, which was supervised by Dr Ruben. The author also greatly appreciates the anonymous reviewers for their thorough and constructive comments.