Research services staff in Australian universities: an investigation of profile, nomenclature, professional alignment, role, workplace relationships, and policy implementation.

Research is recognised globally as vital to social and economic development and in progressing national interest. Universities are at the forefront of knowledge generation and it is not surprising that the work of researchers, their productivity, development and contribution to society and the economy attract a great deal of interest from governments and are the subject of a large body of research literature. In contrast, the management and administrative support of research is just now beginning to be acknowledged as an important element in the overall research endeavour, not least because the systems around research in universities have increased in complexity. Drawing on a mixed method design including a national on-line questionnaire (n = 194) and multiple interviews (n = 37), this thesis contributes a comprehensive picture of the operating landscape of research managers and administrators in centralised Research Service offices in Australian universities. It explores their profile, how they perceive and interpret their roles and responsibilities and the dynamics of their working relationships. The studied group was found to be predominantly female, typically aged in their 40s and degree qualified with a number of profile findings revealing significant differences by gender. Participant nomenclature preferences highlighted significant shortcomings in current staffing terminology. Given this, the salience of a nomenclature ladder to address both visibility and aspiration of university research support staff was explored. Findings on professional self-concept, professional characteristics, growing specialisations and perceived stakeholder regard provided insights into the professional alignment of this occupational group. Perception of role was defined largely by the intensity and focus of interactions with students and researchers. At the time of study, sector preparations for the anticipated Research Quality Framework (RQF) provided the contextual setting in which detailed inquiry into participant involvement in policy implementation was conducted. Finally, the thesis offers a model of engagement through which the interactive dynamic between research support staff and researchers can be interpreted and understood. Through this model, identification of areas of potential mismatch and frustration from the standpoint of research support staff can be used to develop organisational strategies to foster and enrich the contribution of this group with the added potential to ultimately enhance university research performance.