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What Is Power Abuse?
Power abuse in academia undermines fairness, equity, and respect. It negatively affects the mental health and careers of doctoral researchers and erodes trust in academic institutions.
Power abuse in academia can take many forms and have far-reaching and devastating impacts, leading to long-term psychological harm, career derailment, and erosion of trust in institutions of higher learning. It is crucial to raise awareness about power abuse in academia, because it undermines the fundamental principles of fairness, equity and respect that are essential for creating a safe and supportive learning environment. By shedding light on this issue, we attempt to create a healthier and secure work environment, where victims feel safe and empowered to come forward and report abuse. In addition, spreading awareness can help create more effective policies and procedures to prevent power abuse, while providing the necessary support network and resources for those who have experienced it. This survey aims to understand the mechanism of power abuse inside the Leibniz Association. Also, it lists available resources inside and outside of Leibniz to inform the doctoral researcher, as well as to find support in cases of power abuse.
Creating a report with the anonymized data provided will lay a foundation for discussions and suggestions to implement further support structures and reduce the impact of power abuse in academia.
Our Goals
- Assess the mechanisms of power abuse within the Leibniz Association.
- Inform doctoral researchers about resources inside and outside Leibniz.
- Support those affected by power abuse with information on available networks and services.
- Recommend new support structures and reduce the impact of power abuse in academia.
Survey Scope
- Anonymized data will be analyzed to generate an official report.
- Depending on the consent of the participant, results will be aggregated and used to guide discussions with administrative bodies and the broader public.
How to Participate?
To get the link to the survey, please either:
- Get in contact with your PhD Representatives
- Write to us: ppa.leibnizphd@outlook.com
FAQ
General Questions
+ Do you ask everyone to submit cases?
Every Doctoral Researcher within the Leibniz Association is welcome to express their case. However, this is not necessary to take part in the survey.
+ Do I have to submit a case in order to take part in the survey?
No. You can take part even if you have not experienced an abuse of power yourself, or if you do not want to tell us about your specific case.
+ What is the difference between the Power Abuse Survey and the General Survey that the Leibniz PhD Network conducts?
The General Survey explores a broad range of topics to get a holistic view of Doctoral Researchers’ experiences. In contrast, the Power Abuse Survey is shorter, focuses on power-related issues, and collects more detailed qualitative feedback.
+ What is the difference between a qualitative and a quantitative survey?
Qualitative surveys gather descriptive data using open-ended questions to explore opinions and experiences. Quantitative surveys collect measurable data using closed-ended questions for statistical analysis.
+ Does this survey meet scientific standards?
The survey was evaluated by an expert from GESIS – a Leibniz Institute specializing in surveys and their evaluation – who confirmed that the survey meets recognized scientific standards.
+ Is this Survey suggestive?
An expert from GESIS – a Leibniz Institute specializing in surveys and their evaluation – reviewed our survey and confirmed that it’s not suggestive.
+ I think my situation is too specific. What should I do?
We have tried to find a way to categorize cases, but still leave plenty of room for you to express your specific case. Please feel free to use the free text field to tell us all about it if you feel your case does not fit.
+ I am not currently a Doctoral Researcher at a Leibniz Institute, but I would like to submit my case. Is this possible?
Yes, if you were a Doctoral Researcher at a Leibniz Institute within the past two years, you are eligible to participate in the survey. Please request the survey link by contacting ppa.leibnizphd@outlook.com.
+ I am not affiliated with a Leibniz Association Institute but would like to submit my case. Can I participate?
We appreciate your interest; however, the survey is exclusively for current and recent Doctoral Researchers of the Leibniz Association. For resources and support available to researchers outside the Leibniz Association, please refer to the ‘Useful Resources’ section on our website.
+ How is my personal information handled when I report a case?
We are committed to protecting your privacy. All responses are processed in compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data is collected only with your explicit consent and is used solely for the purposes outlined in our data protection notice. We implement strict measures to ensure confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access. For detailed information, please refer to our Data Protection Notice.
+ I wanted to continue submitting my case, but my previous progress in the survey is no longer available. What happened?
The survey uses browser cookies to temporarily save your progress. If you’ve cleared your browser’s cookies or cache, or switched to a different device or browser, this data may have been lost. To prevent this, please complete the survey on the same device and browser without clearing your cookies or cache until you’ve submitted your responses.
Technical Questions
+ Is it possible to identify me or my case from the survey?
No. As long as you do not submit any personal information within the survey itself.
+ I’d like to get the result of the survey. Who do I contact?
The results of the survey will be pulished. If you’d like to be notified, please write an email to ppa.leibnizphd@outlook.com
+ I have technical issues, how can I get in contact with you anonymously ?
You can contact us using an unidentifiable or private email account. We will then provide further details on secure email transfer.
+ I have a technical incident to report. Who do I contact?
Pleas write to ppa.leibnizphd@outlook.com and we will take care.
+ Is the survey compliant to GDPR?
We created the survey with input from legal advisors to develop the data protection plan and ensure GDPR compliance.
Useful Resources
Here are some resources that are useful if you are a victim or witness of power abuse:
- Leibniz PhD Network – “Who to contact in case of conflict?”
- Ombudsgremium für die wissenschaftliche Integrität in Detuschland – Jahresberichte – Annual Report
- Leibniz PhD Network – “Who to contact in case of conflict?”
- DFG – Advice and Mediation in the Event of Conflicts in the Area of Good Research Practice
- Leibniz Association – Gute wissenschaftliche Praxis und Ombudswesen
- Leibniz Association – Leibniz Advice Centre
- Netzwerk gegen Machtmissbrauch in der Wissenschaft e.V.
- editage insights – “Bullying in academia: Why it matters, and what you can do”
Take a look at the Survey!
Data Privacy Statement of the Survey
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