New article "The role of academic inbreeding in developing higher education systems: Challenges and possible solutions" by Hugo Horta and Maria Yudkevich
Abstract
This article contributes to the literature on academic inbreeding by analyzing its rational, origins, resilience, and options to limit it in two higher education systems (Russia and Portugal) chosen purposively for having more differences than similarities, while sharing high levels of academic inbreeding. Findings show more homogeneity than heterogeneity with regard to the understanding of academic inbreeding as a social phenomenon, its roots, dynamics and role in developing higher education systems. Academic inbreeding is not defined as completely negative but rather fulfills a developmental role, particularly in the early development of these higher education systems, assuming a more detrimental effect later on. Positive and negative impacts of academic inbreeding are discussed, including factors and motivations that contribute for this practice to persist. Finally, three suggestions to curtail academic inbreeding are forwarded: not ending it by decree, fostering internationalization (especially mobility) and implementing transparent recruitment practices.
Highlights
- Academic inbreeding is analyzed concerning its role, rational and resilience in two higher education systems where high rates of this recruitment practice persist.
- Based on interviews made to experts, academic inbreeding is not understood as “black and white” detrimental, but as fulfilling a developmental role.
- Academic inbreeding is perceived to bring benefits at the early stage of development of higher education systems, but assumes detrimental effects later on.
- Internationalization, academic mobility and transparency of recruitment can diminish academic inbreeding.
- Terminating academic inbreeding by decree is discouraged as potentially fallacious and detrimental.
Horta, H., & Yudkevich, M. (2015). The role of academic inbreeding in developing higher education systems: Challenges and possible solutions. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2015.06.039