Faculty in Faith-Based Institutions: Participation in Decision-Making and Its Impact on Job Satisfaction

Abstract

This study examined full-time faculty in Christian, faith-based colleges and universities and investigated the type of impact their participation in the decision-making process had on job satisfaction. Previous studies have examined relationships among faculty at state universities and community colleges, yet little research has been examined in the area of full-time faculty at faith-based universities. This study sampled 145 full-time faculties at faith-based universities and examined the demographic variables of gender, age, years of teaching experience, degree, rank and salary groups, and participation. Regression analysis indicated that there were no significant relationships, while t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences. Discussion of the findings focused on possible reasons these findings differ from those in studies investigating public colleges and universities.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Glen A. Metheny

Glen A. Metheny, PhD, is the director and academic chair of the Carter Graduate School of Business at Harding University. He holds the rank of associate professor and teaches a variety of courses in organizational behavior, management, and ethics. He earned a BBA in accounting and an MBA from Harding University and completed his PhD in Organizational Leadership from Regent University's School of Business and Leadership.

G. “Bud” West

G. “Bud” West, PhD, serves as Adjunct Professor in the School of Business and Leadership and in the College of Arts and Sciences at Regent University. He also serves as a principal training specialist for an international training and development company, providing training administration, program management, leader development, and team building efforts to individuals and teams throughout the world.

Bruce E. Winston

Bruce E. Winston, PhD, serves as Professor of Business and Leadership at Regent University's School of Business & Leadership in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He teaches, trains, and consults in the areas of leadership, organizational development, communication, quality improvement, and marketing. He has 13 years of experience leading organizations in the commercial printing industry and 21 years of experience leading academic units at Regent University. He has lectured and consulted in the United States as well as Canada, Europe, and South Africa.

J. “Andy” Wood

J. “Andy” Wood, PhD, serves as Instructional Director of the Master's in Leadership Program at Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, Texas. As a university professor, both full-time and adjunct, he has taught over 225 sections at every level in various universities and seminaries. He also has 32 years of church ministry experience as a senior pastor, church planter, men's pastor, worship leader, and youth pastor in Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Manitoba. He has spoken and consulted widely throughout the United States on capital stewardship, leadership, and spiritual formation.