Research Workers, Mobility and Relatedness in Research Performing Institutions in Latvia

Description

One of the first words that pops-up in the strategic documents of higher education institutions in Latvia is “excellence”. Institutions are striving for excellence in education and research. According Appelt et al. (2015), one of the main tools to ensure excellence in the academic world is to foster mobility – both across border and between institutions. But how does this pursuit of excellence, which includes idea of mobility as a driving mechanism, intersects with the lives of research workers and their important relationships (partners, children etc.)? In this paper, I look at development strategy and gender equality policy documents of four research performing institutions in Latvia - Rīga Stradiņš University, University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology. By analysing these documents, I try to understand, if and how kin ties and needs of research workers have been complied with the institutional striving for excellence, which might include semi-permanent periodic work mobility. The analysis of strategics documents of four research performing institutions show that, on the one hand, organizations recognize the importance of mobility; on the other hand, there are no institutionalized support mechanisms regarding family life and other kin-maintaining responsibilities in the case of mobility. This contrasts with the other areas of work (diplomatic and military services), where are instruments to support the relocation of employees and their spouse and children in the case of mobility. Secondly, although the gender equality policy documents recognize the importance of work-life balance, the support instruments are mainly focused on immobile employees and mostly are related to their children (access to childcare at the premises of the institution, additional paid vacation days, leisure activities etc.). . .. .. .

Period	29 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU Research week 2023: PLACES
Event type	Conference
Conference number	3
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Rīga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International