Reforming research cultures in UK HEIs in a neoliberal context : A critical discourse analysis of government and funder research policies

Murkett, Grace and Vincent, Jonathan and Komljenovic, Janja (2026) Reforming research cultures in UK HEIs in a neoliberal context : A critical discourse analysis of government and funder research policies. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

There has been an increasing focus on ‘research cultures’ within higher education institutions (HEIs), driven by greater awareness of negative experiences for staff. The current study explores the impact of government and funder policies on efforts aimed at improving research cultures within HEIs, in order to support effective action that addresses the challenges faced by staff and takes into account the policy context of higher education (HE). To enable a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between policies and research cultures, the current study adopts Archer’s concepts of structure, culture and agency (1995, 1996). Four government and funder policies are analysed to surface the key discourses employed and the effect of those on the behaviour of staff within HEIs. These discourses are compared to the discourses evident in the literature review to understand where contradictions exist. Finally, the opportunities for cultural change raised by those contradictions are discussed, drawing on Archer’s concept of social morphogenesis (2013). The analysed policies largely reinforce existing, dominant values within research cultures, and therefore reproduce elements that research communities have highlighted as unsustainable and problematic. Three key contradictions between the discourses in the policies and those associated with more positive research cultures are identified: narrow notions of research quality vs diversified and inclusive research quality; competition vs collaboration; performance management vs staff wellbeing. By applying Archer’s theoretical framework, recommendations for HEIs seeking to effect cultural change are made, including challenging or redefining existing values, addressing both culture and structure in initiatives, and building a critical mass around research culture values. The current study argues that conditions are ripe for genuine cultural change and advocates for discussion of research culture reform promoting the sustainability of the research sector to be integrated within ongoing discussions of reform related to the financial sustainability of the sector. The data from this project can be found in the appendix and at DOI: 10.17635/lancaster/researchdata/560