Academic work in the twenty-first century: changing roles and policies

The purpose of this paper is to consider the implications of the changing higher education landscape for the policies and practices governing the work of staff within universities. It is set out in four parts. The first outlines the nature of the changes affecting higher education, particularly those changes that impact on academic work. The second examines some of the implications. One of these aspects, the relationship between teaching and research, is then considered in more detail. Finally the paper provides some possible policy responses and offers some speculations on how academic...  [+] Show more

The purpose of this paper is to consider the implications of the changing higher education landscape for the policies and practices governing the work of staff within universities. It is set out in four parts. The first outlines the nature of the changes affecting higher education, particularly those changes that impact on academic work. The second examines some of the implications. One of these aspects, the relationship between teaching and research, is then considered in more detail. Finally the paper provides some possible policy responses and offers some speculations on how academic work and staffing practices might evolve in the future.