The Socialization of Faculty Members to University Culture and Norms

Abstract

Abstract The study aims at revealing the dynamics of processes of socialization of university faculty members to university culture and norms. As a first step in this endeavor a group of eight university faculty members ‐‐ novice and senior ‐‐ affiliated with the department of education at an Israeli research university were interviewed in depth. The interviews were protocolled verbatim and content‐analyzed. The content‐analysis yielded several themes of reference: isolation and loneliness; expectations; professional identity; conflicts and dilemmas; and tenure. These themes were analyzed and discussed, followed by practical implications for policy makers and academic staff.