Abstract:

This study aims to propose a framework for understanding the strategies those in charge of recruitment of teaching staff use when searching for candidates. Research shows that vocational study programs contain complex knowledge bases, which range from discipline-based and theoretical knowledge bases to practical and context-specific ones. Another way of conceptualizing this is research-based and profession-oriented knowledge discourses. Research shows that the different knowledge bases can be seen as inherent tensions, with opportunities for growth and learning or counterproductive practices and polarization. There is, however, little to no research into what strategies those responsible for recruitment of teaching staff in vocational higher education have when searching for candidates. In proposing a framework for understanding recruitment strategies, we aim to investigate whether the same tensions that are found in professionally oriented higher education are also present in the recruitment of teaching staff. We further aim to explore how research-based and profession-oriented knowledge basis and understandings, and different kinds of integrations of these, may serve as basic preconditions for recruitment strategies. Furthermore, we aim to understand the priorities of those in charge of recruitment, regarding how they assess formal and informal skills, experience and abilities in recruiting teaching staff. The knowledge base for professional work is subject to negotiations beyond the academic community in a higher education institution (HEI) and in a study programme portfolio. The knowledge base can be perceived as an integral part of a wider set of professional, bureaucratic, and political institutions and frames. The framework we propose are thus also guided by exploring and analyzing the tasks and responsibilities of teaching staff according to laws and regulations, research on professionally oriented higher education and an assessment of requirements and expectations from the field of practice. We propose that the framework will serve as an analytic tool for analyzing empirical data related to recruitment of teaching staff in higher educations.

Keywords:

Recruitment, teaching staff, vocationally oriented higher education, knowledge basis.