The Student-to-Staff Shift: Exploring Pros and Cons in Vietnam

Abstract

This study explores the practice of recruiting former tertiary students as official staff in higher education institutions within the context of Vietnam. Using a qualitative research design underpinned by the grounded theory approach, semi-structured and focus-group interviews were conducted with fifteen staff members from three different groups (five leaders, five supporting staff, and five academic staff). Thematic analysis revealed several benefits and challenges associated with this recruitment practice. Benefits included the promotion of institutional culture and continuity, nurturing future leadership, addressing local skill gaps, and reinforcing local identity and values. Challenges included the risk of groupthink, inbred intellectual culture, and diversity and inclusion issues. The study provides a nuanced understanding of this recruitment practice, offering practical implications for higher education institutions, policymakers, and researchers. The findings also shed light on potential directions for future research.