The influence of academicians’ individual professional role in formation of academic culture

Abstract

Cultural theory suggests subtle and complex interactions between individual and the culture. We tested the academicians' individual role to understand the nature of this interaction so that we intended to make a new contribution into a body of existing knowledge from a different cultural context. We used academic culture scale and academicians' professional well-being scale as data gathering instruments, which were implemented in 2016 spring term. By using multiple regression analysis and path analysis, we analysed data belonged to 303 academicians selected by cluster and random technique. We found a reciprocal impact between culture and individual, and we also identified much more powerful effect of perceptions of academicians' professional well-being representing the individual characteristics on the academic culture. Thus, we had a result supporting individualistic views in ongoing historical debate. Based on the findings, designing incentive mechanisms and introducing rules and responsibilities appeared as two administrative tools in forming academic culture. In addition, we suggested that if academicians have better collaboration and their accomplishments are recognised, academic culture would be more positive.