Hua Chen, Chinaza Solomon Ironsi and Sarah Solomon Ironsi
This study aims to explore the neoliberalization of higher education and its impact on gender-sensitive workplaces for international academic staff. Using a qualitative…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the neoliberalization of higher education and its impact on gender-sensitive workplaces for international academic staff. Using a qualitative multiple-case study approach, the research examines how neoliberal policies intersect with gender-sensitive practices within academic institutions, characterized by marketization, privatization and commodification. The theoretical framework integrates Foucault’s concept of governmentality, Bourdieu’s notion of capital, intersectionality from gender theory and paradox theory to analyze the conflicting demands faced by international employees.
Design/methodology/approach
This study’s data comes from semistructured interviews with international academic staff and document analysis of institutional policies. The findings reveal that neoliberal policies often undermine gender-sensitive initiatives by prioritizing market-driven objectives over inclusivity, creating paradoxical tensions for international employees, especially women and minorities, who navigate both gender and nationality-based challenges.
Findings
The study concludes that while neoliberalization in higher education fosters a competitive environment, it simultaneously complicates the implementation of effective gender-sensitive practices. Institutions must address these tensions by reevaluating their policies to better support diverse international staff.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the complex dynamics at the intersection of neoliberalism, gender sensitivity and international employee experiences. It offers insights for policymakers and academic leaders committed to fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Details
Keywords
Miriam Delgado-Verde and Jose Carlos Franco-Curiel
The paper aims to analyse the effects of interplay between entrepreneurial risk-taking behaviour and each of the three components of intellectual capital (IC) on the degree of…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to analyse the effects of interplay between entrepreneurial risk-taking behaviour and each of the three components of intellectual capital (IC) on the degree of novelty of new products.
Design/methodology/approach
This article studies one of the most recognized dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) along with knowledge-based assets owned by high-tech firms. In this way, entrepreneurial risk-taking is analysed considering the companies’ intellectual capital endowment, as a contingent variable, to examine the achievement of a higher novelty in developing new products from firms’ EO. The empirical study was carried out on a sample of 155 Spanish knowledge-intensive firms and based on survey data gathered from two different respondents. Hierarchical regression analysis was used.
Findings
Findings reveal heterogeneous effects of IC components on the relationship between entrepreneurial risk-taking and innovation novelty. While innovative culture (organizational capital) has a positive interaction with risk-taking in the influence on the degree of novelty of new products, relationships with customers (social capital) have a negative one. And, however, CEO industry experience (human capital) doesn’t have any contingent effect.
Originality/value
This study contributes to shed light on the few empirical studies that analyse internal contingent elements in the relationship between entrepreneurial risk-taking behaviour and the novelty of product innovation in high-tech firms. Concretely, specific manifestations of IC components are examined jointly with entrepreneurial risk-taking.