Volume 7, 2024
Articles

Hierarchy and the Case of Indian Academia

Pragya Chaube
DST Centre for Policy Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Moumita Koley
DST Centre for Policy Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Bio

Published 2024-03-13

Keywords

  • Academic Hierarchy; Organizational Structure; Organizational Culture; Academic Bullying; Authorship Abuse; Work Environment

How to Cite

Chaube, P., & Koley, M. (2024). Hierarchy and the Case of Indian Academia. DIALOGUE: Science, Scientists and Society, 7, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.29195/DSSS.07.01.82

Abstract

Universities and research institutions perpetuate rigid academic hierarchies for a variety of reasons, including tradition, the need for clear lines of authority, and the belief that it is necessary for efficient functioning. However, organizational structure and culture are known to have a huge impact on productivity. Traditional academic hierarchical structures in academic institutions can have negative effects, such as hindering the free flow of ideas, limiting opportunities for junior faculty, and creating a culture of competition rather than collaboration. Here, we discuss the consequences of a rigid hierarchical system on academic research, particularly in the Indian context.

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