Agency, context and change in academic development

Abstract

This article explores the notions of change that seem to underpin the ways in which academic developers practice within specific organizational contexts and cultures. Drawing on a two-year empirical study across UK institutions it links concepts of change to the different 'orientations' that developers consider appropriate to their strategic terrain. It provides an opportunity for colleagues to examine their own concepts of change and a conceptual tool for auditing the extent to which the approaches adopted in our Units and Centres might appropriately address the cultures and needs of our organizations.