Research Seminar with Professor Tomi J. Kallio from the University of Vaasa – (Re)Searching Academic Work

Professor Tomi J. Kallio from the University of Vaasa has been studying university organizations, academic work, and performance management for over 20 years. His research has focused on the changing role of universities, coordination mechanisms, audit culture, accreditation systems, and the growing influence of performance measurement in higher education. His studies, based on extensive empirical data have been published in top-tier journals such as Human Relations and Studies in Higher Education.

In this seminar, Kallio will discuss how performance measurement has shaped academic work and careers. The Finnish system provides a particularly compelling case, as nearly 80% of public university funding is tied to performance indicators, making it one of the most output-driven higher education systems in Europe. The presentation will compare this model with other national systems, particularly Sweden, and explore its implications for institutional logics, experienced performance pressure, and academic ethos. The session will offer both theoretical insights and empirical evidence, contributing to the broader debate on the future of academic work in an era of increasing managerial control. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges and consequences of performance-based university governance in an international context.

The seminar will be held in English.

This seminar is organized by L&O group. No pre-registration required.

Join us in person or online via Zoom: https://lnu-se.zoom.us/j/66925739111?pwd=LG01ZAcBqnjUimCHCavpY4RugD0n7X.1

References for further reading

Kallio, K. M., Blomberg, A., Kallio, T. J., & Roslender, R. (2020). Performance
Measurement in Academic Work: Surveillance, Control, and Self-
Governance. In Academy of Management Proceedings (Vol. 2020, No. 1, p.
18877). Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510: Academy of Management.
Kallio, K. M., Kallio, T. J., Tienari, J., & Hyvönen, T. (2016). Ethos at stake:
Performance management and academic work in universities. Human
relations, 69(3), 685-709.