"A scoping review of the academic career literature: guidelines for future research"

Abstract

"Purpose – This study aims to map the literature on academic careers. We equip readers with a description of the directions the field has expanded and a characterization of the field’s main attributes. We also highlight research vacuums where scholarly attention is needed. Design/methodology/approach – Following best practices for scoping reviews, our initial search resulted in a batch of 7, 920 studies. Selection criteria that prioritize academic careers in higher education led to the selection of 324 articles for our review. Articles were submitted to thematic analysis and data extraction methods instrumental for outlining the key attributes of the literature. Findings – We offer 11 subfields as an organizing map for the entire literature. We also describe quantitative (e.g. prevalent methodologies) and qualitative (e.g. research topics) attributes that provide a comprehensive characterization of the field. We define the academic career literature as fragmented, primarily descriptive and in need of more integrative research. For the 11 subfields, we offer domain descriptions, research questions in need of consideration and an account of theoretical frameworks that have dominated research. Research limitations/implications – Our emphasis on manuscripts published in English could have limited our findings in relation to research in focal regions. Practical implications – Our findings provide insights to policymakers with respect to areas where academic careers need support. Originality/value – As a first attempt to organize the literature on academic careers, we present a platform to evaluate where research stands at this point and to identify research options for novel insights into complex research questions. © Emerald Publishing Limited"