Self and identity processes in higher education staff development

This thesis describes four inter-related studies that, together, explore aspectsof self and identity in relation to staff development in higher education (HE).Staff development in higher education is reviewed with particular reference toone of the newest and fastest growing subjects, nursing. Approaches to theexploration, understanding and measurement of self and identity arereviewed, culminating in an exposition of a comprehensive synthesisingapproach known as Identity Structure Analysis and its associated measuringtool Identity Exploration.Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a small sample of lecturersand managers to identify key concepts and issues regarding staffdevelopment. The results of these interviews were then used to develop aunique attitude inventory, the Marriss Attitude to Staff Development in HigherEducation Inventory (MASDHE), which was administered to a selectedsample of lecturers in nursing in six institutions and, more widely, through anopen access internet portal.The results of the interviews together with elements and constructs derivedfrom the literature were used to develop a customised Identity ExplorationInstrument (IDEX 1) drawing on the theories and methods of IdentityStructure Analysis (ISA).This instrument together with the MASDHE and a biographic informationsheet were then administered to a sample of 96 participants, all lecturers innursing in six contrasted Higher Education institutions. The ISA results of thissurvey allowed for group comparisons using the IDEX software employingvariables based on gender, seniority, educational qualifications, andpositive/negative attitudes. In the second study a refined IDEX instrument(IDEX 2) was administered idiographically to six participants, together withthe attitude inventory, to enable in-depth case studies relating biographicalmaterial to identity variables and attitudes.The results of the survey indicate that differences in identity structures andprocesses are not significantly related to gender or attitudes to staffdevelopment, but display certain homogeneity across the nursing group thatmade up the sample. The two idiographic case studies were selected topresent interestingly different profiles: a self-oriented and vulnerable identityprofile contrasting with an other-oriented less vulnerable profile. Theimplications of the identity structure and development profiles for staffdevelopment are considered.Overall the thesis has explored identity in relation to staff development in fourmain ways, giving insights into identity formulations in relation to perceptionsand aspirations both idiographically and nomothetically. The study hasdeveloped a standardised attitude inventory and in-depth identity explorationtools which may be useful in the conduct of staff development and in furtherresearch.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral (Level 8)

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Marriss, DEL

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1337052

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1337052