Administrator and Staff Influences on Faculty Experiences and Scholarly Productivity

• In Event: Broken Promises in Higher Education: The Hidden Costs of Diversity, Development, and Institutional Support

Abstract

Within research universities, administrators and staff members can have a strong influence on the career experiences and scholarly outputs of faculty members who are engaged in research, scholarship, and creative works. In this qualitative study, we present findings from analysis of interviews with 18 tenured faculty members within a research university who have significant goals and responsibilities for scholarly activity. Through the conceptual lens of institutional agents (Stanton-Salazar, 2011), we describe how administrators and staff enable and inhibit faculty scholarship. Findings generate practical implications for faculty members, staff members, and researchers, as well as implications for further research about the organizational and institutional forces behind faculty careers and scholarly productivity.

Authors

• Meghan Pifer, University of Kentucky

• Karley Riffe, University of Cincinnati

• M. Cynthia Logsdon, University of Louisville