Academic job satisfaction and motivation: findings from a nationwide study in Portuguese higher education

Abstract

Academic staff is a key resource in higher education institutions (HEIs) and therefore has a major role in the achievement of the objectives of these institutions. Satisfied and well-motivated academic staff can build a national and international reputation for themselves and their institutions. Moreover, the performance of academic staff impacts student learning. In this context, the study of academic staff job satisfaction and motivation to perform their professional activities becomes crucial, especially as higher education is traversed by multiple changes. The purpose of this paper is to present and analyze the findings of a nationwide study on satisfaction and motivation of academics. All academics working in Portuguese HEIs were invited to complete a survey online. The data obtained from 4529 academics were extensively analyzed and findings are presented here along with their implications for HEIs in Portugal.

Keywords:

• job satisfaction
• motivation
• academic staff
• higher education
• Portuguese higher education

Acknowledgments

The article was prepared with the financial aid of the Foundation for Science and Technology.

Notes

1. The research team is composed of Virgílio Meira Soares, Maria de Lourdes Machado, José Brites Ferreira, Rui Brites, Minoo Farhangmerh, Odília Gouveia, and Marvin Peterson.

2. Postdoctoral degree granted to those who, before an examination board composed of Full Professors selected at national/international level, during two days of formal open examination, present and defend their work.