Academic staff in the UAE: Unsettled journey

David Chapman, Ann Austin, Samar Farah, Elisabeth Wilson, Natasha Ridge

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study investigated how instructors in United Arab Emirates higher education institutions view their professional employment, the extent of their identification and engagement with their institution, and how their views are shaped by the national and institutional contexts in which they work. Many interviewees felt their professional contributions were valued and they were respected as individuals, but, at the same time, they were regarded by their employing institution as transient and easily replaceable. Findings suggest that the extensive use of expatriate staff on short-term contracts can work against the development of institutional loyalty or commitment. Results of this study hold broader implications for universities in other countries that see increasing their reliance on expatriate instructors as a prudent course of action.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)131-151
Number of pages21
JournalHigher Education Policy
Volume27
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014

Keywords

  • Instructional staff
  • United Arab Emirates
  • career development
  • expatriate faculty

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