Workload of Social Work Academics and Factors That Contribute to Time Spent on Research

ABSTRACT

This study delineated academic work type and time by examining data from a cross-sectional survey of social work academics (N=392) in relation to their perception of universities’ expectations of workload, actual workload, and factors that contribute to time spent on research. Findings revealed a disconnect between what academics perceived universities expected of them and the actual amount of time they spent on teaching, service, and research. Holding a PhD, teaching fewer classes, and being employed by a university with a PhD program explained 32% of the variance in academics’ time spent on research. The findings point to the need to rebalance the workload expectations across teaching, service, and research. Strategies for supporting workload requirements are provided.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Barbra Teater

Barbra Teater is Professor of Social Work at College of Staten Island. Natasha Mendoza is Assistant Professor of Social Work at Arizona State University.