Mobility of Teaching and Research Staff: Determinants and Post Factum Effects

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study investigating higher education institutions (HEIs) in Romania and the motivations lying behind the decision of undertaking professional mobilities in academia. Although professional mobilities are known to be a frequent practice in various fields of activity, the teaching and research mobilities of academics distinguish themselves among the mobilities of all sectors, deserving a special attention. In this context, our study investigated the incentives and deterrents of undertaking academic mobilities in Romanian HEIs. It divided the determinants of undertaking mobilities into those leading to mobilities and the others slowing them down. Results have shown that the desire of expanding professional experience has the highest influence on teaching and research staff's decision to undertake a mobility, while insufficient funding explains mobilities drop-off, as it is the factor of highest influence on people’s decision of not undertaking mobilities. The study also analysed the mobility post factum implications for the academic community. The development of research networks and career enrichment were the main benefits of academic mobilities indicated by study results. In this sense, most study participants reported that they developed their network to do research during the mobilities and they have also managed to enrich their professional careers thanks to these mobilities.