The participation of ECR's in decision-making bodies
Papaioannou, P. (2024). The participation of early career researchers in the decision-making bodies of a German university. Postcolonial Directions in Education, 13(1), 188–213.
Within the European higher education landscape, Early Career Researchers (ECRs) often experience exclusion from key decision-making processes at various levels, including department, faculty, and senate bodies. In his article, Panourgias Papaioannou examines the factors that influence the participation of ECRs in the decision-making bodies of a German university.
The paper addresses two central research questions: To what extent is the participation of ECRs in university decision-making bodies ensured? And what are the gender promotion policies within German universities? In this case, the focus is on a university in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The author highlights the precarious experiences of participating ECRs and how these influence their perception of decision-making processes and their motivation to engage in decision-making bodies. He concludes that universities should critically rethink and reform their governance structures by incorporating stakeholder theory and postcolonial perspectives. By addressing the barriers to ECR participation, promoting inclusive and transparent practices, and recognizing the diverse needs of the academic community, institutions can enhance their legitimacy and create a more equitable environment.