Absent autonomy: Relational competence and gendered paths to faculty self-determination in the promotion and tenure process
Loading...
Date
2018-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This research examines ways in which men and women university faculty sought self-determination in the promotion and tenure (P&T) process. Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2012) research tends to view autonomy as the central factor in self-determination, taking priority over other psychological needs of relatedness and competence. The P&T process occurs within a context that inherently limits autonomy, providing a unique opportunity to examine experiences of relatedness and competence when autonomy is constrained. We used a qualitative research strategy with a matched case study design to explore how individuals experience the constructs of SDT (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) within the P&T process. Our project focuses on faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) departments undergoing P&T review at one university. Women faculty in STEM were compared with men faculty at the same rank and in similar departments concurrently going through P&T review. Findings showed that men reported experiencing self-determination via informational competence whereas women approached self-determination through relational competence. Creating a level playing field for faculty navigating the P&T process requires being attuned to different paths to self-determination, fostering relationships between faculty, and clarifying policies and procedures.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Skewes, Monica C. , Elizabeth A. Shanahan, Jessi L. Smith, Joy C. Honea, Rebecca Belou, Sara Rushing, Kristen Intemann, and Ian Handley. "Absent autonomy: Relational competence and gendered paths to faculty self-determination in the promotion and tenure process." Journal of Diversity in Higher Education 11, no. 3 (September 2018): 366-383. DOI:10.1037/dhe0000064.