Critical discussion amongst the informal leaders of higher education

What is it about?

Critical corridor talk (CCT) amongst informal leaders in higher education is a way of letting off steam, but also keeping the whole system going through the 'critical being' of moral resistance. Such staff support each other to manage difficulties in stoical and ethical ways, applying 'negative capability' to contain and alleviate stress through supportive self-reflection. These informal leaders are more or less invisible in the managerial hierarchies of power and authority, but collegial discussions between them are crucial for morale and system survival, particularly in low trust dysfunctional situations. This paper puts forward a theoretical model of critical corridor talk based on empirical data and reflective observations carried out during 2005–2017.

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Why is it important?

There is very little recognition of informal leadership in higher education: they are almost invisible in the hierarchies of institutional power. Yet informal leaders are increasingly important in the overworked higher education sector. The collegial supportive 'critical corridor talk' between such staff is a key strength for institutional survival, particularly in low trust dysfunctional situations.

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