Academic workplace

de Ann E. Austin, Zelda F. Gamson

Pressures that have negatively affected the work environments of colleges are identified, and research concerning the work experience of faculty and administrators is reviewed. The effect of the extrinsic and intrinsic elements on faculty members' work is considered, including their power and autonomy, their relationships to the institution, and the outcomes of their work. Extrinsic factors include workload and the opportunity structure, while intrinsic factors pertain more to the nature of the work itself, as well the responsibilities and autonomy of the staff member. Attention is also directed to productivity of the faculty member, job satisfaction, and morale. Recommendations concerning the articulation of institutional mission, task and decisionmaking structures, and career planning and staff development are offered. Appended are tables that summarize the research on the work experience of faculty and administrators (presidents, mid-level, and other). Each table is divided into sections paralleling the major topical areas of the text. Studies supporting the major research findings are also listed. In addition, tables present important issues and questions not yet answered concerning the work experience of faculty, administrators, and support staff. A subject index to the 1983 ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Research Report series is included.