Barriers and Opportunities for Lecturers’ Career Progression in Vietnam’s Scientific Labour Market

Authors

  • Nu Nguyet Anh Nguyen Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, 71006, Vietnam & Faculty of Sociology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, 71006, Vietnam
  • Ninh Van Nguyen Faculty of Commerce and Tourism, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh 12 Nguyen Van Bao, Ward 4, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh, 71408, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2025.2.925.949

Keywords:

labour market, lecturers, career progression, education, Vietnam

Abstract

Aim. This study employs job characteristics theory and human capital theory to establish an analytical framework. Through the lens of Vietnam’s scientific labour market, it examines the relationship between perceived barriers and career advancement opportunities for university lecturers.

Methods. This multiple-method approach in the research design entails the gathering of information from a sample mainly comprised of public university lecturers. The analysis of data is performed using PLS-SEM, and the analysis is done through the smartPLS software.

Results. The findings show that the important perceived competitive advantage and job performance, which are central to career advancement, are significantly affected by factors including welfare benefits, heavy teaching load, and research funds. These results underscore the necessity of a comprehensive plan that encompasses organisational support and a more accommodating approach to various elements impacting academics in Vietnam’s scientific labour market.

Conclusion. The development of such a plan is crucial to foster academic career advancement in Vietnam’s scientific labour market. The strategies must comprise organisational provisions and effective countermeasures to address systemic challenges.

Cognitive value. The study aims at understanding and establishing the relationship between structural and organisational factors and individual performance benchmarks and serves as a starting point to inform policy changes in Vietnam education system.

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Author Biographies

  • Nu Nguyet Anh Nguyen, Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, 71006, Vietnam & Faculty of Sociology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, 71006, Vietnam

    Currently a lecturer teaching General Sociology and Research Methods. Anh’s research focuses on migration, labour, gender, tourism, higher education, and innovative social sciences

  • Ninh Van Nguyen , Faculty of Commerce and Tourism, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh 12 Nguyen Van Bao, Ward 4, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh, 71408, Vietnam

    He is teaching at the faculty of commerce and tourism. His research interests include social sciences, behaviour tourism, innovation service, cluster analysis, digital transformation and society, and innovative social sciences.

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Published

2025-06-27

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Section

LOCAL CULTURES AND SOCIETIES

How to Cite

Nguyen, N. N. A., & Van Nguyen , N. (2025). Barriers and Opportunities for Lecturers’ Career Progression in Vietnam’s Scientific Labour Market. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 16(1), 925-949. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2025.2.925.949