Chapter 3: Institutional Core Values: Creating Resonance With Individual Attributes and Ideals

It is crucial to be cognizant of institutional values and the wider higher education aspirations of the higher education institution where one works and ensure that they are aligned to one's own personal value and belief systems. ”Scholars at Risk” maintains that equal access, responsibility, autonomy of institutions, freedom of academics and community and social responsibility are core values of higher education that are informed by human rights and UNECSO instruments. Through academic freedom, there is ability to conduct one's teaching and research and disseminate opinions about work systems without internal controls. However, with institutional autonomy, organizations are able to govern efficiently and make decisions regarding social values, equity, access and academic freedom at the institution. Social responsibility and accountability is demonstrated through the ethical and professional standards adopted by the institution and through clear and transparent guidelines established regarding equitable access and support for students and staff that are merit-based and are inclusive of all sections of the population. This chapter will underscore the rationale for the alignment of institutional core values with individual academics and their personal value systems for optimized performance and success in academic careers.