Like at many institutions, faculty work at the institution studied is also highly individualistic. Interviewees described how this individualism contrasts with their experiences during job interviews, at which these faculty members typically describe being socialized into a network of colleagues. Positive interview experiences typically set up expectations that the institution would be a caring environment in which to work and one with a strong sense of community. However, once both majority and underrepresented faculty arrive, they rarely experience this same level of community. Instead, they experience infrequent social interaction with their colleagues, and little intellectual interaction within their departments.
Individualism is also evident in the reward process.
All interviewees report that single-author, published research is still valued above teaching or service related activities. Although interviewees report that executive administrators emphasize the importance that community service and teaching have to the institution's mission, interviewees still perceive that publications are most rewarded by departmental tenure committees. Individualism is another norm that seems to affect underrepresented faculty differently than it does majority faculty. Majority interviewees report more satisfaction with their socialization experiences and the levels of support they received in their departments than did underrepresented faculty. Taking the time to get to know or support one's colleagues is outside of the norm of individualism.