Authors

Discussion

Our study investigates the complex dynamics between personal and organisational identity within Russian academia, particularly when institutional values conflict with individual beliefs. Academic professionals often face challenges in aligning their moral or political views with their university’s position. Faculty with anti-war views may experience internal tension when working at a pro-war institution. How they navigate this misalignment—through cynicism, irony, or disengagement—reveals broader strategies of identity negotiation.

Key factors in these conflicts include organisational control mechanisms, ambivalence in professional identity, and organisational surveillance. External stressors can trigger diverse identity responses among academics, heightening moral, political, or professional identity prominence. When external pressures force shifts in institutional values, identity overlap or fusion can occur, influencing individual decision-making.

Our research also examines how conflicting identities impact coping strategies like self-censorship and disidentification. For example, academics may disengage from certain research areas they view as unethical or against personal values, evoking identity conflicts. Alternatively, strong organisational alignment may result in individuals compromising personal ethical standards, sometimes resulting in organisational misconduct.

With increasing pressures  for conformity within institutions, non-aligned values with academic idenity are promoted, creating new expectations that academics must adopt. Our study explores how such shifts heighten the tension between academic and organisational identities, identifying strategies academics use to navigate conflicts and the ethical implications for academic standards.