Collegiality vs. Competition

Abstract

Learning to work with others is a trait taught from the time children are in their early schooling. However, the concept of competition begins to form at the same time. This idea of competition continues to be a fire that burns brightly in some students, and the flames are often fanned by external forces: teachers, parents, students, counselors, college admissions programs, etc. Moving from public education to the collegiate classroom has not diminished the air of competition that is often present. Working within the academy has many of these same concepts embedded into its structure. New faculty members are expected to be prepared to be academics on day one. This includes in their teaching, scholarship, and service. This demand of constant production in all three areas can cause feelings of competition among faculty members. Within this chapter are demonstrated ways of applying the 5 Cs of collegiality to the university workplace as well as to doctoral induction programs, giving faculty the opportunity to assist them in the development of a mindset of collaboration over competition.