The moral imperative for doctoral practitioners

Abstract

Plenary talk at the Cultivating Competence: EFL Educators Confronting Global Teaching Challenges Spring Conference Pursuing a doctorate is often considered a personal choice: the qualification promises career enhancement, better pay, job stability, improved conditions, and higher status. However, the 'diploma disease' phenomenon observed over the past 40 years warns that exclusively focusing on individual benefits can harm a profession. Utilising concepts of doctorateness, moral practice, and principled eclecticism, I argue that research-active practitioners must personally consider and articulate the moral and social impact of their work. I will also offer practical examples of research methods and projects that encourage participant collaboration and broaden the definition of research impact beyond traditional metrics.