Academic Roles, Identities, and Career Frameworks

Abstract

The redesign of academic career frameworks aims to respond to the increased complexity of academic roles. The nature of the academic role is discussed in this chapter, with reference to the substantive activities that make up a role as well as to career stages. Discussion about academic identities follows. Roles and identities overlap partly; both evolve over time. Academic identities have been the focus of a substantial body of literature and have been explored through various theoretical lenses and methodological approaches. This chapter highlights contributions to the identities debate which are of immediate relevance to the discussion about academic career frameworks. Drawing on an illustrative analysis of publicly available career framework documents in UK universities, the chapter highlights key features of these frameworks and links discussion to academic identities. It uses teaching expertise and excellence to signal a potential lack of consistency in how institutions interpret these criteria. It notes the varied ways in which academic citizenship, collegiality, and collaboration are integrated and rewarded on different pathways in different frameworks. It looks at the way documentation and information are organised and presented to make expectations for each pathway and career stage transparent.