A Closer Look at East Asian Faculty's Engagement in Institutional Service and Administration

• In Event: 31.037 - Perspectives and Experiences of Faculty Members in Educational Programs for the Professions

Abstract

Most of the literature on service issues of international faculty employs quantitative inquiry approaches, indicating that Asian faculty spend less time and are less involved in institutional service and administration than their U.S.-born counterparts. However, the reasons for this phenomenon have been rarely explored. This qualitative phenomenological study intends to get a deep understanding of 12 East Asian faculty’s lived experiences with service, bringing the voices of this underrepresented group to the forefront. Data sources include 36 in-depth interviews. Some strategies are used to ensure the trustworthiness of this study. Data analysis indicates language, culture, race, institutional policies, and academic reward structure work together affecting their participation rates. Implications for educational researchers, international faculty, and administrators are discussed.

Authors

• Mo Xue, The University of Alabama

• Aaron M. Kuntz, The University of Alabama

• Sara M. Childers, Independent Scholar