Older academics' views of promotion

Academic promotion is the main form of career advancement and provides staff with the incentive to continue to strive for excellence in research and teaching. Drawing on the theory of career motivation, this paper explores the perceptions of older academics on promotion, with the aim to gain an insight to university HRM policy-making on the retention of high performing and experienced older academics. Findings from both documentary and interview data highlight a lack of inherent support for career development; mixed views on the promotion process and a lack of promotion opportunities. This paper argues that universities need to make more effort to maintain high levels of career motivation among older academics through opportunities for promotion and development.18 page(s