Researching Academics’ Opinions on Organizational Nostalgia

Abstract

The aim of this study is to research the opinions of academics on organizational nostalgia within a higher education institution. Designed as a case study within the framework of qualitative research, the study involved 14 academics selected through both criterion sampling and convenience sampling methods. Data collected via a semi-structured interview form were analysed utilizing descriptive analysis techniques. According to the findings of the study, organizational changes such as alterations in the physical environment, changes in management structures, and turnover among colleagues, along with the presence of unfair and non-transparent practices, the failure to provide an equal and fair working environment, and the lack of appreciation and rewards, all contribute to an increase in feelings of organizational nostalgia. According to the participants’ opinions, academics are increasingly questioning their fundamental beliefs regarding their work and professional identities because they face mounting external pressures and demands. In this context, organizational nostalgia may serve as a micro-level coping mechanism that helps academics deal with negative experiences encountered in academic settings.

Keywords

• Academic
• Organizational Nostalgia
• Higher Education

Örgütsel Nostaljiye İlişkin Akademisyenlerin Görüşlerinin Araştırılması

Öz

Bu araştırmanın amacı, bir yükseköğretim kurumunda görev yapan akademisyenlerin örgütsel nostaljiye ilişkin görüşlerinin araştırılmasıdır. Nitel araştırma yaklaşımlarından durum çalışması olarak tasarlanan araştırmanın katılımcılarını hem ölçüt örnekleme hem de kolay ulaşılabilir örnekleme yoluyla seçilen 14 akademisyen oluşturmuştur. Yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile toplanan veriler, betimsel analiz tekniği kullanılarak çözümlenmiştir. Araştırmanın bulgularına göre fiziksel ortam değişiklikleri, yönetim yapılarındaki değişiklikler ve iş arkadaşlarının değişimi gibi örgütsel değişimler ile adaletsiz ve şeffaf olmayan uygulamaların varlığı, eşit ve adil çalışma ortamının sağlanmaması ve takdir ile ödüllendirme eksikliği gibi durumlar, örgütsel nostalji hissiyatını arttırmaktadır. Katılımcı görüşlerine göre akademisyenler, işlerine ve mesleki kimliklerine dair temel inançlarını sorgulamakta ve giderek artan dışsal baskılar ve taleplerle karşı karşıya kalmaktadır; örgütsel nostalji, akademik ortamlarda karşılaşılan olumsuz deneyimlerle başa çıkmada mikro düzeyde akademisyenlere destek sağlayabilmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Akademisyen
• Örgütsel Nostalji
• Yükseköğretim

Kaynakça

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