Date of Award

Fall 2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Foundations & Leadership

Committee Director

Dana D. Burnett

Committee Member

Mitchell R. Williams

Committee Member

Tisha M. Paredes

Committee Member

Daniel W. Lufkin

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover the motivational factors influencing part-time faculty employment within the community college through the perspective of the part-time faculty. The study was guided by the question “What are the motivational factors given by part-time faculty for seeking employment at the community college?” Further, the study examined these motivational factors for differences influenced by ages, gender, and employment status. A survey was distributed to a random sample of part-time faculty members at a community college in the Southeastern United States. Participants were asked to respond to some categorical demographic questions and scaler questions to determine satisfaction levels. Three open-ended question were presented to obtain information identifying the motivational factors leading to part-time employment at the community college. The results showed part-time faculty to be motivated to work within their discipline, work with students, and achieve personal satisfaction. The study confirmed a consensus of the literature findings towards dissatisfaction with wages, support, professional development, and collegial relationships. The results of the study revealed a highly motivated part-time faculty willing to engage students even in perceived less than favorable working conditions. This study warrants replication with a larger number of colleges representing different demographics. The results may provide administrators with the suggestions that may improve these working conditions.

Rights

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DOI

10.25777/7nzs-eb83

ISBN

9781369144499

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