Foreign academics’ well-being experiences: A South African higher education institution case study

Abstract

Orientation: Factors negatively influencing foreign academics’ well-being in higher education institutions (HEIs) include funding, promotion opportunities, salary disparities, workload and being away from home.
Research purpose: This study aims to provide insight into the well-being experiences of foreign academics at a HEI in South Africa.
Motivation for the study: Foreign academics are attracted to work in other countries with the hope of enhancing their skills, economic status and well-being. Higher education institutions offer these opportunities to increase research outputs, increase student throughput and improve global rankings.
Research approach/design and method: This study adopted an interpretive qualitative research approach and design, in which, through purposive sampling, five academics were interviewed, using semi-structured interviews. Thereafter, the data were analysed using content analysis.
Main findings: Foreign academics seem to predominantly experience a conducive work environment, enjoy student engagement and have career growth opportunities. On the contrary, they submit to being excluded from certain opportunities, benefits and resources, leading to feelings of discrimination and exploitation. Subsequently, numerous coping mechanisms must be applied to overcome their challenges.
Practical/managerial implications: Appointing a dedicated human resource (HR) officer overseeing foreign academic affairs can help facilitate engagement with foreign academics at the institutional level to explore the thwarting and enabling factors that will result in enhanced integration, well-being and job performance.
Contribution/value-add: Foreign academics with positive well-being experiences result in good relations with students and colleagues, increased growth outcomes and provide growth opportunities. Negative well-being is heightened among foreign academics because of restricted unequal opportunities, resentment and lack of career growth.