Experiences of academic leadership in Ireland 2008-2014

Gannon, Anne

Experiences of academic leadership in Ireland 2008-2014

Files

Gannon_-_Academic_Leadership_in_Ireland.pdf(318.63 KB)

Accepted Version

Date

2021-06-22

Authors

Gannon, Anne

Publisher

Brill

Published Version

10.1163/9789004467804_006

Abstract

The focus of this paper is on experiences of academic leadership in Ireland between 2008-2014 sustaining academic values and culture. Institutional developments have led to change in what constitutes academic success, a situation which creates challenges for academic leaders. In recent years, arising from the requirements to generate income and the focus on marketplace positioning, qualities sought in hiring and promotion decisions have altered significantly. This research presents the challenges faced by Irish university-based academic leaders in balancing the requirements of the university and the needs of academic colleagues. The research evidences the protection and support shown by academic leaders in effectively maintaining academic values and cultures. However, it also highlights the academic leadership deficit evident in the failure of some academic leaders to both adequately and effectively engage with academic colleagues which then can lead to the destabilisation of academic values and culture.

Keywords

Academic leadership , Irish university reform , Academic values , Managerialism

Citation

Gannon, A. (2021) 'Experiences of academic leadership in Ireland 2008-2014', in Broucker, B., Pritchard, R. M. O., Melin, G. and Milsom, C. (eds.) Sustaining the Future of Higher Education. Leiden: Brill, pp. 79-97. doi: 10.1163/9789004467804_006