Academic Culture

Academic culture refers to the values, beliefs, and assumptions that underlie academic organizations, and this culture provides the basis for the behaviors, practices, and actions at academic institutions. The concept of academic culture is based on research in anthropology, sociology, and organizational behavior. This entry discusses the forms of academic culture, how academic culture differs among disciplines and institutions, and the role of academic culture in the identity and behavior of stakeholders.

Deeply embedded and resistant to change, academic culture is distinct from other forms of [Page 29]organizational culture as it is often characterized by a focus on intellectual pursuits; freedom of inquiry; emphasis on learning, teaching, and knowledge production; and cultivation of inquiring minds or critical thinkers. However, these characteristics vary widely by institution type, ...