Workplace culture and professional recognition: coping experiences of South Asian immigrant academics in UK higher education

This chapter reports findings from an interview-based qualitative study on workplace culture and experiences of four South Asian immigrant academics based at UK universities. The data illustrate the participants’ personal and professional journeys, particularly the experiences of teaching and academic administration, challenges and recognition of professional performance, and strategies they follow to survive and excel in a new academic culture. The findings resonate with the three important aspects: (i) acknowledging differences, such as changing learning culture and unique workplace conditions, (ii) recognising professional development needs and accepting opportunities to address them, and (iii) enabling cultural integration and networking, within the workplace and social settings. Overall, the chapter provides fresh insights into workplace situations and coping experiences of the immigrant academics coming from a specific geographic area. The findings are expected to help understand the personal and professional states of immigrant academics in internationalised and cohesive higher education structures.