Influences on academics' approaches to development: voices from below

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study research was to explore faculty‐based academics' views on what influences their behaviours and attitudes towards their development. Informed by critical realist ontology, the data collection was carried out through narrative interviews with academics in two contrasting English universities. Findings, or areas for reflection, have emerged about the constraints and enablements academics perceive in respect of their professional development. In particular, themes such as: the significance of professional status; misaligned initiatives and priorities; the influence of supportive networks; and emergent personal, individual concerns have surfaced. The conclusion is drawn that the significance of agency raises the importance of responding to the ‘voices from below’.

Keywords:

• critical realism
• qualitative comparative case study
• higher education
• academic voices
• agency

Acknowledgements

This research was made possible by the hospitality, interest and honesty of participants in the case study institutions; their receptiveness to this research has been very much appreciated.