MODELS OF CHANGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: REFLECTING ON THE AFFECTS OF CHANGE ON CULTURE AND IDENTITIES IN DIT

This paper will present the models created from the research into the affects of change on culture and identities in higher education. The research is a case study based on review of government policies and institutional strategy documents looking toward the future and determining how they are affecting the current situation in the institution. The primary aim of the overall research was to identify drivers of change and mergers in higher education [1], [2]. This was conducted via analysis of interviews and observations at meetings and classes, and via discourse analysis of some policy and strategy documents. This paper then reflects on how changes and mergers impact on cultures and professional academic identities within DIT. The interviewees were asked about their views on which factors bring about strategic change from both external and internal drivers and how these drivers impact on their own culture and professional academic identities. They also discussed possible future mergers in higher education.