DYNAMICS OF MANDATORY SERVICE: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO ACADEMICS' EXPERIENCES

Authors : Harika Suklun

Pages : 200-220

View : 71 | Download : 29

Publication Date : 2025-06-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This qualitative phenomenological study investigates the lived experiences of academics who have completed or are currently undergoing mandatory service in Türkiye. The study draws on written responses from 12 participants representing a balance of gender and postgraduate education backgrounds, half having studied domestically and half internationally. To contextualize these experiences, four theoretical frameworks were applied: Job Demands–Resources, Organizational Support, Occupational Stress, and Social Identity Theory. Findings identify repetitive patterns of institutional disregard, emotional exhaustion, a sense of workload imbalance, and a sense of disconnection with professional identity. In comparison, the participants who graduated abroad indicated more difficulty in cultural and organizational adjustment, and gendered relations shaped perceptions of support, inclusion, and role definitions. The findings indicate that the mandatory service duties tend not to correspond to the recipients\\\' academic preparations, generating stress and identity conflict that will prevent integration and psychological well-being at work. These findings highlight the need to rethink mandatory academic service programs in consideration of equity, psychological support, and responsiveness of institutions to the needs of the workforce. This study offers insights into workforce policy in higher education, with suggestions for institutions facing service obligations or decentralized academic placements.
Keywords : mandatory service, occupational stress, organizational support, identity conflict, job demands–resources

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