Political Behavior in Canadian University Deans' Reappointments

Abstract

This paper reports on an investigation of Canadian university deans' reappointments, examining the experience and sense-making of thirteen reappointed and one non-reappointed deans from eight universities. More precisely, the paper examines evidence of political interference taking place during these reappointments. Open coding of deans' interviews revealed that political interference is regular and takes many shapes. Furthermore, deans viewed reappointment politics as embedded, essential, yet problematic.