This study explores the nature of reciprocal commitment in academic careers. The article is based on a survey conducted in autumn 2013 among fixed-term employees at eight major universities in Finland (N = 810). The analysis is focusing on researchers who have a doctoral degree and who are working on a fixed-term contract at their university (n =…

This article analyses academic work and the academic workforce in the context of current dynamics and likely futures. It discusses the significance of academic work, reviews workforce characteristics, and analyses tensions and pressures. Prevailing conceptualisations, it is argued, do not reflect the current situation in which the profession finds…

This research report provides a summary of the UK part of the international study of the changing academic profession, which has been supported by Universities UK and other national higher education bodies. The international study aims to examine the nature and extent of the changes experienced by academics, the reasons for these changes and their…

The research literature suggests that the decade of the '80s is producing a generation of professors coping with surprisingly high levels of job stress. Key reasons include inadequate participation in governance and institutional planning, work overload, low pay, poor working conditions, inadequate recognition, unrealized career expectations, and…

An overview is presented of social and demographic trends prompting changes in workforce composition and workers' values, and a conceptual model for understanding these changes and their effects on the work environment is offered. The Ohio State University's shared approach to managing the work/family overlap and its policy implications are…

As pharmacy seeks to attain professional recognition along with other professions within the health care system, it must seek to integrate the dissemination of drug knowledge along with its distribution functions and its educational system needs to produce pharmacists who can meet the drug information needs of society. (JMD)

The difference in work patterns and practice characteristics of male and female physicians are examined. The results indicate that female physicians are less likely to work in traditional practice settings, work fewer hours per week, are reimbursed at a lower annual level, and have a slightly different composition of patients. (Author/JMD)

Based on a survey, college/university faculty salaries, working conditions, workload, and salaries in 10 countries (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, United States, Australia, Japan) are compared and barriers to occupational and geographic mobility are identified. Suggestions are made for fostering academic…

This guide to career opportunities in over 100 fields covers a broad range of occupations for which a college degree is, or is becoming, the usual background for employment. For each occupation, information is presented on the nature of the work; places of employment; education, skills, and abilities required for entry; employment outlook;…

A discussion of future educational needs for dentists looks at dramatic changes occurring within health care services in general and dental care services in particular since 1935, changes in the professional culture, and special needs for educating physicians for population-based clinical practice. (MSE)

Conflicts in many states between administrators and disgruntled college employees have led to a surge of labor activism in academe, including strikes and protests, votes to unionize, disputes over evaluation and compensation, and court litigation. Conflicts involve teaching assistants, adjunct faculty, and tenured faculty alike. (MSE)

This sourcebook provides substantive ideas for private liberal arts colleges interested in assessing, enhancing, and maintaining the quality of the academic workplace. Additionally, it responds to some of the current trends affecting American higher education involving faculty worklife and development, problems associated with faculty shortages,…

An article based on a 3-year study of the American professoriate is presented. The academic labor market, it is concluded, may be heading into unprecedented competition for the best talent. Improvement of the work environment may be as important as growth in compensation. (MLW)

Teaching, research, and the basic relationship between faculty and their institutions take place in a climate more affected by law than ever, depriving faculty of an environment for effective teaching and research. But the impact has been indirect, marginal, and both positive and negative thanks to college administrators and lawyers. (MSE)

The state of the academic profession in the United Kingdom is examined, with some comparisons to Australia. Focus is on changes during the 1980s and the role of public policy. The disadvantaged status of academic women is noted, and changes in emphasis on teaching, research, and administration are discussed. (MSE)