Rediscovering the Authentic Scholarly Self: A call for change in academia

Abstract

The demand for change within academia has grown substantially over the last four decades. This has resulted in in numerous calls to expand and refine what it means to be a scholar. Despite these calls, identity tensions still exist between the scholar as teacher and scholar as researcher. To start, this article contributes to the academic conversation by examining the concept of authentic scholarship. Next, we contribute by presenting a process model that can be used to diffuse identity tensions through movement toward an authentic scholarly self. This process of rediscovering the authentic scholar is based around the utilization of narrative tools in ongoing narrative work that maintains a path toward an authentic scholarly self. Finally, we suggest potential benefits of moving toward an authentic scholarly self for the individual scholar, employing institutions, and student learners.