Some Characteristics and Attitudes of Academics in Australian Universities and Colleges of Advanced Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper examines some important characteristics and values of Australian academics in universities and in colleges of advanced education, derived from a national study we conducted in 1978. The data are discussed under a number of headings: research interests and activities, teaching, qualifications and level of appointment, tenure, study leave, role satisfaction and attitudes to institution, attitudes to funding, institutional government and institutional democracy, access to tertiary education, role of universities and CAEs, tertiary institutions and the state, general educational issues, social issues, public debate, and demographic and personal data. There are differences between the two groups on a number of variables, among them being tertiary qualifications held, work activities and interests, and previous work experience. Some of these differences are related to the objectives of the institutions and how they were established and staffed. On most educational and social values, however,...