The effects of change on culture and identities: case study of a higher educational institution

The primary aim of the research was to identify drivers of change and mergers in higher education. It was then reflected on how changes and mergers impact on cultures and professional academic identities. The case study is based on review of government policies and institutional strategy documents looking towards the future and determining how they are affecting the current situation in the Institution. This was conducted via analysis of interviews and observations at meetings and classes, and via use of discourse analysis of some policy and strategy documents. 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.