A Narrative Inquiry into the “Up-or-Out” System implemented in Universities of City C of China

Abstract

            This study investigates the impact of the "up-or-out" system, a common practice in Chinese universities for over two decades, on academic staff.  While intended to foster innovation and competition, this system, which requires academics to achieve certain milestones within a set timeframe or face termination, has raised concerns about its long-term effects.  This research explores two key areas 1) the internal motivations and drivers that fuel academics' research progress, and 2) the effectiveness of the "up-or-out" system itself, specifically examining its relationship with scholars' abilities. This study adopts a narrative inquiry approach, focusing on the lived experiences and psychological well-being of academics.  Through in-depth interviews with ten participants – two Ph.D students and eight young scholars from various universities – the research seeks to understand the system's impact beyond its perceived efficiency.  The study analyzes how the "up-or-out" system shapes academics' mindsets and behaviors, exploring the emotional toll it may exact while also considering its influence on research productivity and career paths. The findings reveal moderate opposition to the "up-or-out" system among interviewees, suggesting a lack of universal acceptance and perceived benefit.  Furthermore, the system appears to fall short of its intended goal of boosting productivity.  Participants' output averaged only 2.5 academic articles per year, significantly lower than the expected standard of 4.  The research suggests that while the "up-or-out" system aims to enhance academic output, it may inadvertently limit the full expression of scholarly talent and potential, hindering rather than helping academics reach their full capabilities.