Purpose: The aim of this research is to explore the issues and challenges faced by the new appointed academic staffs of a public university in Malaysia.
Theoretical framework: The appointment of the new academic staffs in the university offers a whole new paradigm and dynamic while could be beneficial for the universities’ ecosystem entirely. Among the benefits are contributing new ideas and implementation for improvement as well as fostering positive attitude within the environment. However, the staffs could encounter with various issues and challenges at the entry stage which could deter his or her development further.
Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach is employed in this research where the academic staffs with less than 3 years’ working experience were interviewed in order to understanding the obstacles faced. The data gathered is analyzed using NVivo12 software.
Findings: The findings of this research revealed that issues pertaining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), teaching and learning which involved unfamiliar subjects and issue surrounding online classes, difficulties in publication and research component due to lack in knowledge, skills and experience, allyship in academic working environment as well as juggling between the demanding workload of teaching and administrative works with completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Learning and Teaching (PGDHELT) course.
Research, Practical & Social implications: This research offers some practical significances particularly to the university’s management and the newly appointed academic staffs on board. The identification of issue and challenges among newly appointed staffs is significant in finding solutions.
Originality/value: As a practical implication, this research paper sheds new light for both the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Malaysia and the university’s management to formulate a handful and effective training and development program to smoothen the transition process of the new appointed academic staffs into the academic world in the university.
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