Date of Award
12-13-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Roger Mitch Nasser
Second Advisor
Molly Hudgins
Third Advisor
Graham Weir
Abstract
This mixed-method study explored the relationships between pay satisfaction, organizational commitment, retention, and seniority among faculty and staff at a private, four-year institution in the Midwest. The research investigated how satisfaction with a compensation program influences organizational commitment and turnover intentions. The researcher used a quantitative method to study the impact of pay satisfaction on organizational commitment and turnover intention. Additionally, a quantitative method explored relationships between seniority and turnover intention. Findings revealed positive relationships between pay satisfaction and organizational commitment, along with pay satisfaction and turnover intention. Findings also revealed positive relationships between seniority, measured as years of service, and organizational commitment, particularly among staff. A relationship between seniority and turnover intention also emerged independently among staff and faculty.
Qualitative themes that emerged from employee perceptions of pay at the university included lack of transparency and understanding, perceived inequity, concern with variables influencing raises, and workload-pay imbalance. Employee perceptions of their organizational commitment reflect a commitment to the students and university mission for both employee types. For faculty, frustration with administration reflected concerns about their organizational commitment, while staff reflected on frequent change, budget reductions, and staffing shortages. Employees attributed their intent to stay at the organization to the community and total rewards. Reflecting on factors driving their intent to leave, faculty expressed concern with leadership, while staff expressed a desire for new career opportunities and a greater sense of job security.
Recommended Citation
Hennings, Jennifer, "Faculty and Staff Pay Satisfaction and the Impact on Organizational Commitment and Retention" (2024). Dissertations. 785.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/dissertations/785
