Pulling-Strings: Narratives of Conflicting Identities from Saudi Novice English Language Professors

Abstract

The present study explores the struggle led by academic novice English language professors against a robust hierarchical administrative system in a Saudi university. The study adopts a qualitative narrative approach. Data were collected in the form of narratives through interviews with six assistant professors who have availed of the King Abdullah Scholarship Program and recently returned to Saudi Arabia. Grounded theory was applied to analyze the data. Thematic analysis was performed to examine the data. The study results showed that the participants claimed that their relationships with colleagues were weak. They shared no interest and are different in sub-majors. Thus, participants found themselves isolated and disconnected. The study concludes that the views of Saudi academics need to be considered. In contrast, the university as an organization needs to be reshaped and restudied to meet the needs of its academic staff. The study’s significance lies in filling the literature gap about how the Saudi professors perceive their identity after returning home and how they deal with the administrative challenges to cope with their working environment.