The Value of Academic Citizenship in South African Higher Education

Abstract

This chapter aims to conceptualise and explore the value of academic citizenship (AC) in South African higher education using the case of public affairs. Academic citizenship in public affairs (PA) is receiving attention from various stakeholders globally and locally, as a process of working collaboratively with various partners and stakeholders to respond to societal needs through academic activities and public sector practice. Academics can play a prominent role in AC when they affiliate with their academic communities and associations and relate to research, teaching and learning and community engagement. This chapter contends that academics are compelled to facilitate the wide legitimacy of their academic programmes by forming relationships with public officials and politicians, government organisations, accreditation and quality institutions, industry and communities. The current situation in the discipline of Public Affairs portrays complex relationships among the core actors that enable AC; hence this chapter critically assesses the value of AC in higher education (HE). This chapter employed a systematic literature review approach to collect and analyse data. Findings from this study contribute towards enhancing behaviour that can address the challenges of AC in South African PA scholarship.