Post-Pandemic Faculty Motivation: Causes for Burnout Offset by Motivation or Hygiene Factors

Veto Matthew Ray; Brandon Sorge; Katrenia Reed Hughes; Kevin Rose; Carol Rownd

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Conference: 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Baltimore , Maryland
Publication Date: June 25, 2023
Start Date: June 25, 2023
End Date: June 28, 2023
Conference Session: Faculty Development Division (FDD) Technical Session 7
Tagged Division: Faculty Development Division (FDD)
Tagged Topic: Diversity
Page Count: 18
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--43990
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/43990
Download Count: 260

Paper Authors

biography

Veto Matthew Ray Indiana University - Purdue University, Indianapolis

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Mr. Matt Ray is the Director of the Facilities Management Technology Program and lecturer for both the Facility Management and Construction Management Programs offered through the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. He has been with the school for the past 14 years. He is a graduate of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology receiving degrees in Construction Technology, Architectural Technology, and a Master’s in Facility Management. His field experience includes residential and light commercial construction. He has been an architectural designer as well as superintendent for single and multi-family residential construction projects. Mr. Ray worked as an engineering design manager in the Building Components Manufacturing Industry for over fifteen years.

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biography

Brandon Sorge Indiana University - Purdue University, Indianapolis

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Brandon Sorge is an Assistant Professor of STEM Education Research in the Department of Technology Leadership and Communication at the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. His research interests include all aspects of STEM education, espe

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Abstract

This is a reach paper based on motivational theory as it relates to faculty members in higher education. The Covid-19 Pandemic had many devastating effects worldwide, specifically across the United States. The Pandemic not only impacted physical health, safety, and the economy, but as a result, many suffered from mental instability stemming from depression and stress. Faculty in Higher Education, like many others serving our communities, were not shielded from the effects of Covid-19. They had no choice but to adapt and continue serving students. Traditional in-person classes seemed to move to an online platform overnight, placing an additional workload on faculty acclimating to new methodologies and technology associated with online delivery. Many colleges and universities were also struck with financial concerns, a consequence of diminished enrollment, having to reduce overall budgets impacting the availability of resources. Now that the immediate danger has subsided, colleges, universities, and their faculty members are left with the residual effects and looking to understand the new norm. This study endeavored to answer the question, of what motivates faculty members in higher education and to assess, given the current post-pandemic conditions, whether or not those motivational factors are in place. To identify motivators and assess the perception of current conditions within an urban university, a survey was sent out across multiple schools targeting 12 key areas: • Financial Rewards (pay and benefits) • Fair and Equitable Promotion Opportunities (process and support) • Continuous Development • Administration Support (management and resources) • Recognition • Work-Life Balance • Operating Conditions • Inclusion/Sense of Belonging • Meaningful Work • Job Security • Professional Achievement • Status

A total of 52 questions modeling employee motivational theories and Maslow’s Hierarchy were included in the survey resulting in 65 respondents. The accumulated data was used to rank the motivators based on their level of importance established by participants and to demonstrate if the needs of faculty were being met.

**Round table discussion if accepted by FDD

Citation
Format

Ray, V. M., & Sorge, B., & Hughes, K. R., & Rose, K., & Rownd, C. (2023, June), Post-Pandemic Faculty Motivation: Causes for Burnout Offset by Motivation or Hygiene Factors Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--43990

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - This is a reach paper based on motivational theory as it relates to faculty members in higher education. The Covid-19 Pandemic had many devastating effects worldwide, specifically across the United States. The Pandemic not only impacted physical health, safety, and the economy, but as a result, many suffered from mental instability stemming from depression and stress. Faculty in Higher Education, like many others serving our communities, were not shielded from the effects of Covid-19.  They had no choice but to adapt and continue serving students.  Traditional in-person classes seemed to move to an online platform overnight, placing an additional workload on faculty acclimating to new methodologies and technology associated with online delivery. Many colleges and universities were also struck with financial concerns, a consequence of diminished enrollment, having to reduce overall budgets impacting the availability of resources. Now that the immediate danger has subsided, colleges, universities, and their faculty members are left with the residual effects and looking to understand the new norm. This study endeavored to answer the question, of what motivates faculty members in higher education and to assess, given the current post-pandemic conditions, whether or not those motivational factors are in place.  To identify motivators and assess the perception of current conditions within an urban university, a survey was sent out across multiple schools targeting 12 key areas:
 
•	Financial Rewards (pay and benefits)
•	Fair and Equitable Promotion Opportunities (process and support)
•	Continuous Development
•	Administration Support (management and resources)
•	Recognition
•	Work-Life Balance
•	Operating Conditions
•	Inclusion/Sense of Belonging
•	Meaningful Work
•	Job Security
•	Professional Achievement
•	Status
 

 A total of 52 questions modeling employee motivational theories and Maslow’s Hierarchy were included in the survey resulting in 65 respondents. The accumulated data was used to rank the motivators based on their level of importance established by participants and to demonstrate if the needs of faculty were being met.

**Round table discussion if accepted by  FDD

AU  - Veto Matthew Ray
AU  - Brandon Sorge
AU  - Katrenia Reed Hughes
AU  - Kevin Rose
AU  - Carol Rownd
CY  - Baltimore , Maryland
DA  - 2023/06/25
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Post-Pandemic Faculty Motivation: Causes for Burnout Offset by Motivation or Hygiene Factors
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/43990
DO  - 10.18260/1-2--43990
ER  -