Working on scorched earth: Contemporary risks of higher education leadership critique through autoethnography
Publication Details
Merga, M.
(2024).
Working on scorched earth: Contemporary risks of higher education leadership critique through autoethnography.
Higher Education Research and Development,.
Abstract
Organisational autoethnographers in higher education weave compelling stories to connect their personal experiences to phenomena, often to illuminate or challenge extant norms in the culture and leadership of universities. While much has been written about the strengths and limitations of this method, there are emerging risks that may be poorly understood. While some autoethnographies in higher education have already led to unfavourable professional consequences, the growing prevalence of non-disparagement clauses in higher education employment contracts and separation agreements, and the surge in civil defamation action in society more broadly, may pose significant risks for researchers in this space. This research article blends autoethnography with consideration of these emerging risks, and while there is a focus on implications for Australian academics, these risks are not unique to this context, holding international relevance. Scholars may need to liaise with university policy makers and legal professionals to develop a best practice model for autoethnography that can enable researchers to be open about their experiences without fear of reprisal. Where overarching codes, models or policies exist that have nationwide buy in, universities may need to be brought to account to engage more sincerely and comprehensively with them.
Keywords
Autoethnography, organisational autoethnography, autoethnography in higher education, non-disparagement, defamation risk
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