Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2005

Keywords

Iowa State University, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Christian colleges, faculty satisfaction, Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, National Study of Postsecondary Faculty

Abstract

This study examined the reasons why faculty members choose to teach at Christian colleges, their commitment to their institution, and their satisfaction with various job-related issues and values. It analyzed comparisons between the characteristics and satisfaction of faculty members at Christian colleges and faculty members in other types of American institutions of higher education.

An on-line survey was administered to all faculty members at 10 diverse institutions affiliated with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Useable responses were received from 238 full-time faculty members. The response rate was approximately 33%.

Survey items were categorized as follows: demographic variables; researcherdesigned questions regarding reasons for initial affiliation, current satisfaction, and areas of concern; the 15 items of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ); and 70 items from the National Study of Postsecondary Faculty (NSOPF).

Data from the OCQ and the NSOPF questions were analyzed by means of one-way ANOVA to determine mean differences between respondents on 11 independent variables. One-sample t-tests were used to compare the respondents’ mean scores on the NSOPF items with mean scores from the national NSOPF surveys.

The primary reasons that faculty members gave for choosing to teach at a Christian college were a desire to work in a Christian environment and the institution’s mission. They expressed concern that demands on faculty at their institutions are too heavy and their wages and benefits are insufficient. xiv

Analysis of the OCQ results indicated significant organizational commitment on the part of faculty to their Christian colleges. One-way ANOVA analysis found statistically significant differences on over 30 of the comparisons made with the 11 independent variables (p < .05). Results indicated that commitment levels were significantly higher for females, those over age 60, and faculty who were working at their alma mater.

Analysis of the NSOPF results indicated strong satisfaction regarding various workrelated variables. Statistically significant differences were found between the mean scores of respondents and the NSOPF studies on 43 of the items, with the faculty in this study demonstrating greater satisfaction on 35 of these items (p < .05).

Comments

  • A dissertation submitted to the graduate faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, Iowa State University
  • Larry H. Ebbers, Major Professor
  • © 2005 Curtis J. Taylor

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