Values, worldviews, cynicism and discretionary engagement in higher education: a mixed methods exploratory case study of aregional Australian university

Values, worldviews, cynicism and discretionary engagement in higher education: a mixed methods exploratory case study of aregional Australian university

Universities are described in terms of their purpose and generally conceptualised as contributing to society and their community through teaching, research and engagement (Steele & Rickards, 2021). The impact of this service however, it is generally agreed, is much broader than the commodity or immediate outcomes of teaching, research and engagement activities that are carried out. Therefore, the motivation of internal stakeholders to contribute more broadly is of critical importance. In this context, the question arises as to the contribution of individuals in the university system to society beyond the commodities typically produced by the university. As universities navigate this landscape, understanding the interconnectedness of economic structures, cultural dynamics, individual responses, and value systems, is vital to understanding the impact capital commodification has on values, levels of cynicism and worldviews of internal regional university stakeholders including faculty, staff and students, and their ability to build social capabilities through discretionary engagement external to the university community. A synthesis of theoretical perspectives forms the theoretical framework for this study, offering a holistic approach to comprehending the multifaceted impact of capital commodification in higher education and the response to this by university internal stakeholders. The aim of this research is to analyse how cynicism as a stakeholder response to commodification, impacts on a university’s ability to build social capabilities through discretionary engagement, beyond its traditional outputs. Through a mixed methods approach, findings from the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data suggest there is a complex relationship between internal university stakeholders’ values and their discretionary behaviour. While stakeholders express optimism toward engaging in discretionary activities, cynical distancing, often employed as a coping mechanism for financial or career survival, can reduce their levels of engagement. The corporatisation of a university therefore, appears to have little bearing as discretionary engagement is more aligned to individualised personal values and conscious decision-making. These findings highlighting that stakeholders’ discretionary engagement is shaped by the interconnectedness of their core beliefs and deeply held values. Understanding this relationship is essential for comprehending human behaviour, decision-making processes, and the pursuit of meaningful engagement in personal, social, and professional spheres.

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