Progress and constraints on professional development of university academic staff in Cambodia : a case of a university

Abstract

Professional development is pivotal for academic staff (Akiba, & LeTendre, 2009; Brew, 1995; Day & Sachs, 2004; Kahn & Walsh, 2006; Richards & Farrell, 2005). However, little is known about professional development of the academic staff in Cambodia. To fill this gap, this study aims at investigating the progress and constraints on the Cambodian academic staff’s professional development. This qualitative research study involves semi-structured interviews with eight academic staff, three heads of the department and a vice rector at a university in Cambodia. The study has found that although there are several forms of professional development self-pursued by the academic staff and offered by the university, the academic staff’s professional development is limited. The university fails to provide adequate professional development to the academic staff. Moreover, the academic staff are not actively engaged in professional development. Based on the findings, the study also suggests some recommendations for the university.