Professional identity of quality managers in chilean universities: between invisibility and bureaucratization

Abstract

In recent decades, universities have faced increasing managerial demands, which has resulted in the incorporation of professionals to manage academic processes. This article presents the results of a study that explores quality assurance professionals' perceptions about their own occupational identity. To do this, a qualitative study was conducted based on interviews with members of quality assurance units at Chilean universities. The results show the process of how quality assurance units form and, in turn, how said process shapes the professional role and identity. This is followed by an analysis of this professional group's perception of its professional identity, which is characterized by a lack of recognition and forms of invisibility and exclusion in the university space. The article describes the negotiations that these professionals conduct, in order to adjust their identity to the academic environment and to the accreditation demands. The article concludes by discussing the need for greater integration between academic and administrative work in universities.