Barriers to attracting the best researchers: perceptions of academics in economics and physics in three European countries

Reymert, Ingvild; Vabø, Agnete; Borlaug, Siri Brorstad; Jungblut, Jens

doi:10.1007/s10734-022-00967-w

Cited by 8 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 69 publications

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“…Furthermore, having strong soft skills can also enhance a researcher's ability to attract talented individuals to join their research team (Reymert et al, 2022) and subsequently attract potential funding opportunities (Edgerton, 2009). Michał T. Tomczak, Małgorzata Gawrycka Lesson 2: Academics' soft skills need to be updated to reflect the changing nature of the environment Since its introduction by Teece and Pisano (1994), the theory of dynamic capabilities has attracted significant attention from scholars of international business.…”

Section: Theoretical Landscapementioning

confidence: 99%

Soft skills among academics: Five theoretically informed lessons for current times

Szulc,

Toporek,

Tomczak

et al. 2023

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RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive examination of the role of soft skills among academics in the context of the evolving higher-education landscape. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: We use a scoping review of existing literature to discuss the importance of soft skills in academia. Through critical analysis and synthesis, we identify patterns and gaps in current knowledge and develop five theoretically informed lessons to improve practice and theory. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: A unique theoretical blending of five theories (resource-based, dynamic capabilities, cultural learning, implicit leadership, and human capital) forms the conceptual framework we used to arrive at our conclusions. RESEARCH RESULTS: Our first conclusion emphasizes that soft skills are essential for a competitive advantage in the performative culture of neoliberal academies. Second, we emphasize that updating soft skills is crucial in order to respond to the changing higher-education environment. Third, going beyond the universal view of academia as a sharply hierarchical industry, we demonstrate how building relationships with stakeholders is necessary for academic skill development. Our fourth lesson explores the implications of different evaluators’ perceptions of soft skills, highlighting the need for recognition of their value. The ultimate lesson highlights the need to invest in the skills of academics. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: We consolidate existing theoretical approaches and overcome theoretical fragmentation to arrive at a comprehensive and theoretically grounded set of lessons for those interested in developing and utilizing soft skills among academics in the unique context of the ever-changing higher-education environment. We challenge the norms of neoliberal academia and call for the development of realistic policies and procedures that promote a respectful, collaborative, and sustainable higher-education environment.

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Section: Theoretical Landscapementioning

confidence: 99%

Soft skills among academics: Five theoretically informed lessons for current times

Szulc,

Toporek,

Tomczak

et al. 2023

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Academic socialization: On a neglected effect of competition in science

Hamann,

Velarde

2024

High Educ

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Competition is usually considered a mechanism for the allocation of scarce resources. This paper draws attention to a neglected effect of academic competition: competition provides participants with a normative orientation about field-specific values by informing them about which activities will be rewarded. We conceptualize this as a socializing effect. We study the socializing effects of competition for postdocs because this group is especially exposed to the dynamics of academic competition. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 60 postdocs in history and physics in Germany, the analysis reveals the orientations and values that competition conveys to postdocs. Since different forms of competition for publications, funding, and jobs are not neatly synchronized, they convey various expectations. Postdocs cope with this multiplicity, prioritizing a specific form of competition that is competition for funding. This comes at the expense of activities and tasks that are not organized competitively. The socializing effect of competition should be reflected more thoroughly not only by scholarship on academic competition but also by research policy that promotes competition.

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A comprehensive program in academic health professions to enhance faculty recruitment, mentoring, productivity, and retention: The case of RCSI's StAR program

Desselle,

McDonagh,

O'Dea

et al. 2024

Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

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Barriers to attracting the best researchers: perceptions of academics in economics and physics in three European countries

Cited by 8 publications

References 69 publications

Soft skills among academics: Five theoretically informed lessons for current times

Soft skills among academics: Five theoretically informed lessons for current times

Academic socialization: On a neglected effect of competition in science

A comprehensive program in academic health professions to enhance faculty recruitment, mentoring, productivity, and retention: The case of RCSI's StAR program

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