Table 4 Examples of multiple academic identities.

Our school only give credits to top international journals, the top local journals don’t count, like ‘visiting monks give better sermons.’ (SMD20)

During job interview, I was shocked by Chinese management scholars’ narrow perspective: I was doing discourse analysis, but professors sitting in panel questioned my work in a positivism stance, they ask questions like: where are your research variables? I was like, seriously? That’s not what my research is about! (AP2)

Fanatic convert

Multiple academic identities

They call it the ‘Eight-Year War’—become an associate professor in three years and a full professor in five. Once you’ve accomplished that, you’ve earned your time. After getting ashore, you can escape the low-level academic games and pursue real research. (AP4)

I used to prioritize the quality of research over the quantity of publications, but now I have to change in order to survive, to get through the evaluation… (L9)

Career survivor

Though I’m already a tenured professor with job security, I still feel strong incentives to work hard. It’s like leveling up in a game by beating monsters—you always want to get bigger influence. (AP4)

Diligent game player

I have no desire to join the game. I just want to tend my own little plot of land… (AP6)

Academic ideals and reality always misalign, unlike others who get upset or blame, I tend to keep quiet. (FP3)

Career retreater