Tenure Undone: Faculty Experiences of Organizational Justice When Tenure Seems or Becomes Unattainable

This study examines faculty members' experiences with organizational justice during the tenure process, focusing on those who did not receive or felt they would not receive tenure. The researchers interviewed 22 faculty participants and found that they experienced violations of three forms of organizational justice: distributive, procedural, and interactional. The participants reported that these perceived violations hindered their ability to succeed on the tenure track. The study also explores how race and gender shaped these experiences, recognizing the unique barriers faced by women and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) faculty. The authors conclude by discussing potential reforms to improve the perceived and actual fairness of the tenure process, aiming to create a more equitable environment.