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Australian academics satisfied with jobs The first results from a major international survey of the state of the academic profession shows that the majority of Australian academics remain satisfied with their jobs despite reporting a decline in working conditions since the start of their careers. Conducted by the University of New England’s Centre for Higher Education Management and Policy (CHEMP) and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) the Changing Nature of the Academic Profession (CAP) project is the largest of its kind in the world. The international comparative study is running across 20 countries including Australia. In Australia around 1250 academics from 21 institutions completed an online survey of their job satisfaction in the second half of 2007. First results were released in late March 2008. Researchers describe the state of the academic profession in Australia through case studies of fictional academics dubbed 'Colin' and 'Cheryl.' Through Colin's and Cheryl's experiences we find that almost two thirds of respondents believe working conditions in higher education have deteriorated since the start of their careers. Only 9 per cent felt they had improved. Academics are critical of the levels of secretarial support, teaching support and research support staff. On the other had they are happy with the physical facilities provided by Australian institutions including labs and libraries. On average academics work 50 hours per week regardless of whether classes are in session. This is more hours than they are contractually obliged to work. According to the survey responses, a defining characteristic of the academic profession in Australia is a ‘top-down’ managed style described as having cumbersome administrative processes and a strong performance orientation. Collegiality is not very apparent and communication between management and academics is considered poor. “These results support and often held view by observers of Australian higher education that change in the sector has been profound,” said the report’s author Dr Jeannet van der Lee. “This research will enhance our understanding of the sector.” Further findings and background information to Changing Nature of the Academic Profession (CAP) study, is available from the University of New England website. « Back to eNews
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The first results from a major international survey of the state of the academic profession shows that the majority of Australian academics remain satisfied with their jobs despite reporting a decline in working conditions since the start of their careers.

Conducted by the University of New England’s Centre for Higher Education Management and Policy (CHEMP) and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) the Changing Nature of the Academic Profession (CAP) project is the largest of its kind in the world. The international comparative study is running across 20 countries including Australia.

In Australia around 1250 academics from 21 institutions completed an online survey of their job satisfaction in the second half of 2007. First results were released in late March 2008.

Researchers describe the state of the academic profession in Australia through case studies of fictional academics dubbed 'Colin' and 'Cheryl.'

Through Colin's and Cheryl's experiences we find that almost two thirds of respondents believe working conditions in higher education have deteriorated since the start of their careers. Only 9 per cent felt they had improved.

Academics are critical of the levels of secretarial support, teaching support and research support staff. On the other had they are happy with the physical facilities provided by Australian institutions including labs and libraries.

On average academics work 50 hours per week regardless of whether classes are in session. This is more hours than they are contractually obliged to work.

According to the survey responses, a defining characteristic of the academic profession in Australia is a ‘top-down’ managed style described as having cumbersome administrative processes and a strong performance orientation.

Collegiality is not very apparent and communication between management and academics is considered poor.

“These results support and often held view by observers of Australian higher education that change in the sector has been profound,” said the report’s author Dr Jeannet van der Lee.

“This research will enhance our understanding of the sector.”

Further findings and background information to Changing Nature of the Academic Profession (CAP) study, is available from the University of New England website.

Australian academics satisfied with jobs