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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2441-6257
Date of Graduation
8-15-2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
School of Strategic Leadership Studies
Advisor(s)
Benjamin S. Selznick
Robin Anderson
Margaret F. Sloan
Abstract
This mixed methods study explored the experiences with, as well as the levels of and predictors of, organizational commitment amongst non-tenure track faculty (NTTF) members. 652 NTTF members from mid-size public comprehensive university with a teaching focus in the SACS COC accrediting region received a confidential electronic survey measuring organizational sense of belonging, dependence on NTTF income, level of underemployment, and engagement with the faculty development center. Control variables included demographic characteristics, length of time in a contingent position, type of appointment (FT or PT), discipline, and possession of a terminal academic degree. The dependent variable was affective organizational commitment measured using the nine-item Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (Commeiras, & Fournier, 2001). The quantitative data (N=200) was analyzed using multiple linear regression, and results of the quantitative strand were used to select participants in qualitative interviews. Both organizational sense of belonging and teaching in a STEM discipline correlated with affective organizational commitment. Data from nine qualitative interviews were analyzed alongside the quantitative results using constant comparative coding. Six themes emerged, including evidence that NTTF members consistently exhibit commitment to student learning and development. University-wide faculty development was found to boost NTTF organizational sense of belonging. Leadership implications are discussed, and specific policy recommendations to better integrate NTTF into the collegium are offered.
Recommended Citation
Altman, Melissa, "First class teachers, second class citizens: A mixed methods investigation of the predictors of organizational commitment among non-tenure track faculty" (2020). Dissertations, 2020-current. 1.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/diss202029/1
