How does the focus on PhDs impact lecturer diversity?

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PhD Requirements and Publication Metrics May Limit Lecturer Diversity

The increasing emphasis on possessing a PhD and achieving a certain H-index for academic positions in Malaysian universities can significantly narrow the pool of potential lecturers. This trend, driven in part by recent Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) regulations and the pursuit of international rankings, risks excluding many qualified individuals who possess valuable teaching experience but may not meet these specific academic credentials. This has a direct impact on the diversity of teaching staff, potentially limiting the range of perspectives and practical expertise available to students.
The H-index as a Measure of Academic Output

The H-index, a metric used to quantify both the productivity and citation impact of a scholar's publications, has become a critical screening tool in academic hiring. It is calculated based on the number of publications an individual has authored and the number of citations those publications have received. For instance, a scholar with an H-index of 10 has published at least 10 papers that have each been cited at least 10 times. This metric is often favoured by institutions aiming to bolster their standing in international university rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education, as a higher proportion of highly cited staff can contribute positively to these assessments.
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency's Role in Hiring Standards

A recent directive from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), implemented approximately two to three years ago, has mandated PhD qualifications for many academic roles. This rule means that even individuals with extensive practical teaching experience, potentially spanning eight years or more in fields like Business or Journalism, may be barred from even securing an interview if their PhD is not directly aligned with the subject area they wish to teach. The MQA's aim is generally to ensure a baseline level of academic qualification across higher education institutions in Malaysia.
Implications for Practitioner-Oriented Disciplines

The rigorous requirement for academic publications, often measured by the H-index, may not accurately reflect excellence in all fields. For practitioner-oriented disciplines such as journalism, graphic design, or video production, extensive publishing in academic journals might be secondary to practical skills and industry engagement. Individuals excelling in these areas may lack the time or inclination to produce the lengthy manuscripts required for top-tier journals, focusing instead on their craft and professional activities. This can lead to the exclusion of highly skilled practitioners who could offer invaluable real-world insights to students.
Potential Reduction in Teaching Quality and Diversity

By strictly adhering to PhD and H-index requirements, universities risk overlooking talented educators who possess strong pedagogical skills and a deep commitment to student development but do not hold the requisite academic credentials. This can lead to a less diverse teaching faculty, both in terms of academic background and professional experience. While individuals with PhDs and high publication records can undoubtedly be effective educators, an overemphasis on these criteria may inadvertently exclude many good teachers and lecturers, ultimately limiting the breadth of knowledge and teaching styles available to students.

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How does the focus on PhDs impact lecturer diversity?

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