Program
Physical Education Teacher Education
College
Education
Student Level
Doctoral
Location
PAÍS Building
Start Date
10-11-2022 11:00 AM
End Date
10-11-2022 1:00 PM
Abstract
Background: Research administration is a profession embedded in various academic and non-academic structures ranging from universities with high research activities to not-for-profit health systems and small teaching colleges. Research administrators are the stewards of this profession, and their responsibilities include assisting faculty in preparing grant applications and ensuring departmental compliance with organizational policies. Despite being essential to an institution's organizational success, research administrators are prone to experiencing isolation and marginalization within their workplaces. Aims: This study qualitatively explored the interwoven degree to which research administrators feel they matter to others and the factors that contribute to their marginal status at work. Method: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 39 research administrators from the United States. Data were analyzed inductively by two research members. Findings: Collection and interpretation of participant accounts supported the development of four themes (1) the differentiation within organizational systems, (2) the impact of institutional detachment, (3) occupational dynamics of perceived mattering, and (4) the psychological cost of marginalization. Research administrators perceived an increased sense of mattering when they worked at larger institutions that valued research. In contrast, they expressed that they felt overlooked and isolated at smaller organizations. Participants felt a decreased sense of mattering when faculty did not understand the role of research administrators. Perceived mattering was increased when upper administration was knowledgeable about the work of research administrators. Participants who did not possess a doctorate felt marginalized by faculty, despite specialized knowledge and extensive experience in the field. Conclusions: Marginality is common among research administrators. This has implications related to designing professional development and mentoring initiatives to combat marginalization. Future research should explore practical strategies and supportive environments that empower research administrators to negotiate and navigate the socio-political context of their positions and engage as validated participants in the research process.
Exploring Marginality, Isolation, and Perceived Mattering Among Research Administrators
PAÍS Building
Background: Research administration is a profession embedded in various academic and non-academic structures ranging from universities with high research activities to not-for-profit health systems and small teaching colleges. Research administrators are the stewards of this profession, and their responsibilities include assisting faculty in preparing grant applications and ensuring departmental compliance with organizational policies. Despite being essential to an institution's organizational success, research administrators are prone to experiencing isolation and marginalization within their workplaces. Aims: This study qualitatively explored the interwoven degree to which research administrators feel they matter to others and the factors that contribute to their marginal status at work. Method: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 39 research administrators from the United States. Data were analyzed inductively by two research members. Findings: Collection and interpretation of participant accounts supported the development of four themes (1) the differentiation within organizational systems, (2) the impact of institutional detachment, (3) occupational dynamics of perceived mattering, and (4) the psychological cost of marginalization. Research administrators perceived an increased sense of mattering when they worked at larger institutions that valued research. In contrast, they expressed that they felt overlooked and isolated at smaller organizations. Participants felt a decreased sense of mattering when faculty did not understand the role of research administrators. Perceived mattering was increased when upper administration was knowledgeable about the work of research administrators. Participants who did not possess a doctorate felt marginalized by faculty, despite specialized knowledge and extensive experience in the field. Conclusions: Marginality is common among research administrators. This has implications related to designing professional development and mentoring initiatives to combat marginalization. Future research should explore practical strategies and supportive environments that empower research administrators to negotiate and navigate the socio-political context of their positions and engage as validated participants in the research process.
