Drivers of Additional Paid Work among Higher-Education Teachers: An Organisational and Behavioural Perspective

Abstract

Secondary employment among academic professionals has become increasingly common due to financial needs, opportunities for professional development, and the growing flexibility of modern education systems. Faculty members may engage in consulting, research projects, private tutoring, online teaching, and other paid activities alongside their primary academic roles. Such engagements can strengthen professional networks, enhance skills, generate additional income, and support industry–academia interaction. However, they may also create challenges related to fatigue, work–life imbalance, conflicts of interest, reduced institutional commitment, and declining teaching or research quality. This study examines the factors driving academic professionals toward secondary employment, its effects on their performance, and its implications for higher-educational institutions in India. It further highlights the need for balanced institutional policies that allow professional growth and financial flexibility while safeguarding academic integrity, employee well-being, and the quality of teaching and research.

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DOI & Citation