Impact of staff training on university productivity through job satisfaction: A study of ISO 9001- certified institutions.

The study examines the influence of staff training on university productivity through the job satisfaction of academic and administrative staff in ISO 9001-certified universities in Pakistan, utilizing a quantitative research approach. Data were gathered through online surveys using purposive sampling from academic and administrative staff, with analysis performed using SmartPLS-4. The results indicate that staff training significantly influences both job satisfaction and university productivity, with job satisfaction serving as a significant mediator. This research contributes to scholarly discourse by validating Organizational Learning Theory in ISO 9001-certified universities, highlighting the enhancement of productivity and job satisfaction through ISO 9001-aligned staff training. It also underscores the influence of QMS on employee attitudes and university productivity, highlighting the significance of ISO 9001 implementation, specifically through staff training, in university operations. Practical implications include recommendations for policymakers, administrators, and quality managers to prioritize ISO 9001-focused training to boost productivity and certification success, foster a culture of continuous learning, and improve educational quality and organizational outcomes. However, limitations such as the study's cross-sectional design, purposive sampling, and focus on specific universities in Pakistan may limit generalizability. Future research should explore novel approaches to understanding factors influencing job satisfaction among academic and administrative staff to enhance productivity in ISO 9001-certified universities worldwide.

Epistemic exclusion: A theory for understanding racism in faculty research evaluations.

Despite institutional efforts, growth in the number of faculty of color has largely plateaued, limiting research innovation and other benefits of diversity. In this article, we seek to understand structural barriers to faculty equity by (a) detailing a theory of epistemic exclusion within academia and (b) applying the theory of epistemic exclusion to the specific context of faculty departmental reviews of scholarly research (e.g., annual review, promotion and tenure review). Epistemic exclusion is a form of scholarly devaluation that is rooted in disciplinary biases about the qualities of rigorous research and identity-based biases about the competence of marginalized group members. These biases work in tandem to systemically and disproportionately exclude marginalized scholars (e.g., people of color, women) from the academy. In the context of faculty departmental reviews, epistemic exclusion can happen in formal systems of evaluation through criteria, metric, and application exclusion. It can also occur informally during interpersonal interactions and communications through legitimacy, contribution, and comprehension exclusion. In this article, we detail each of these types of exclusion, how they may interact with each other, and their consequences. We assert that epistemic exclusion threatens the diversification of academia and offer suggestions for equitable evaluation practices and reducing epistemic exclusion within higher education broadly. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Differentiation, adaptation, and perseverance: Maturing conceptualizations of education-focused science faculty in the United States.

Science education reform has been underway for almost a century with the general aim to engage students and train scientists needed to find solutions to global challenges, and also ensure a general public well disposed towards science. In an effort to aid science reform, more recently, colleges and universities have been augmenting their academic workforce by embedding education-focused science faculty into science departments. However, little research has investigated how this approach, and the identity of these faculty, may be changing over time. Here we investigate how conceptualizations of professional identities of these faculty across the United States have changed over the last two decades. We found three professional identities amongst these faculty: Science Faculty with Education Specialties (SFES), Discipline-Based Education Researchers (DBER), and faculty who identify as both SFES and DBER. Evidence indicates this is a maturing field within higher-education science departments, with more direct hiring and training pathways, but with potentially diminishing agency. Finally, data reveal resilience and perseverance despite negative biases from peers and college administrators, especially at PhD-granting institutions.

Waving through a window: Agricultural research faculty perspectives on science communication challenges.

This qualitative study explores agriculture research faculty's challenges with participating in Science Communication. To explore the challenges shared by faculty, we utilized the proposed Faculty Science Communication Engagement Framework, which identifies three dimensions that may cause challenges for faculty Science Communication work: personal, professional, and institutional. During interviews with 11 research faculty, we identified Science Communication challenges within these dimensions. Participant challenges within the personal dimension include allocation of time, the learning curve, audience familiarity, and mass-media concern. Professional dimension challenges were "it's not my job" and disciplinary norms, while challenges within the institutional dimension included a lack of support and resources. Across these dimensions, faculty challenges revolved around the time required to invest in Science Communication activities, the needed resources (personnel, technology, and financial), the value placed on efforts by their academic institution, and the lack of knowledge regarding Science Communication techniques and audience. These findings are described through rich data, and practical recommendations are provided for fostering future Science Communication engagement and interest among faculty. These include Science Communication training focused on specific content areas, hands-on training and support with Science Communication technologies, including Extension and non-Extension faculty in training sessions, creating structured and strategically implemented shared Science Communication resources at the institutional level, including Science Communication efforts in university strategic planning, and awarding and recognizing faculty who utilize Science Communication successfully.

Stress management: how does the academic staff cope with it? a cross-sectional study at the university of Udine.

BACKGROUND: Increasing work-related stress in academia can have an impact on physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to analyse the coping strategies of staff employed at the University of Udine and to verify whether sociodemographic data, professional position, and the presence of anxiety or depression symptoms are related to the use of different coping strategies. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study between June and December 2020 using the Brief COPE questionnaire. We correlated coping strategies with professional position, sociodemographic data, and the presence of anxiety or depressive symptoms measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the General Anxiety Disorder-7. RESULTS: A total of 366 people participated in the study, including 109 junior academics, 146 senior academics, and 111 administrative staff (response rate 23.6%). The three most frequently used coping strategies in terms of approach coping style were planning (6.77 ± 1.41), active coping (6.58 ± 1.45) and acceptance (6.23 ± 1.44). Women were more likely than men to report using approach and avoidant coping strategies (p < 0.001). Positive reframing and religion were most commonly used by administrative staff (p < 0.05), in contrast to junior academics, who were more likely to use substances and self-blame (p < 0.05). Anxiety was found to correlate with self-blame (OR 1.94) as a coping strategy, while depression was associated with venting (OR 2.83), self-blame (OR 3.27), and humor (OR 3.02). CONCLUSION: Identifying profiles of coping strategies can help higher education institutions to implement support strategies for the academic community, ultimately promoting healthier lives and more effective teaching and research. Our study has shown that women and junior academics among staff at the Udine University would benefit from a tailored health promotion intervention that encourages the use of approach coping styles to reduce their risk of developing anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Mentoring practices that predict doctoral student outcomes in a biological sciences cohort.

Despite the importance of a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in biological research, women, racial and ethnic minorities, and students from non-traditional academic backgrounds remain underrepresented in the composition of university faculty. Through a study on doctoral students at a research-intensive university, we pinpoint advising from faculty as a critical component of graduate student experiences and productivity. Graduate students from minority backgrounds reported lower levels of support from their advisors and research groups. However, working with an advisor from a similar demographic background substantially improved productivity and well-being of these students. Several other aspects of mentoring practices positively predicted student success and belonging, including frequent one-on-one meetings, empathetic and constructive feedback, and relationships with other peer or faculty mentors. Our study highlights the need to renovate graduate education with a focus on retention-not just recruitment-to best prepare students for success in scientific careers.

Exploring the relationship between psychosocial factors, work engagement, and mental health: a structural equation modeling analysis among faculty in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial hazards in the workplace were identified as a considerable risk to employee mental health as well as their general well-being. Few studies were found to examine its relationship with work engagement and mental health. Thus, this study examines the relationships between psychosocial factors, work engagement, and mental health within the faculty in Saudi Arabia using structural equation modeling. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 375 faculty. Data collection was done using a self-administered online survey that included instruments such as the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). SmartPLS 3 software facilitated data analysis and included the assessment of factors. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the interplay between psychosocial factors, work engagement, and mental health. RESULTS: The robust measurement model was characterized by high loadings (0.719 to 0.970), Cronbach's alpha (0.595 to 0.933), and composite reliability (0.807 to 0.968). Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed using AVE and various criteria. The fit of the saturated model was superior. Burnout explained significant variance (0.585) with predictive relevance for all constructs. Notably, the impact of burnout on family conflict and the influence of stress on burnout were found to have significant effect sizes. CONCLUSION: The study uses structural equation modeling to examine the relationships between psychosocial factors, work engagement, and mental health among faculty in Saudi Arabia. The robust measurement model demonstrated high reliability and validity, while the saturated model demonstrated excellent fit. These findings contribute to our understanding of psychosocial dynamics, work engagement, and overall health among faculty in Saudi Arabia.

Exploring the perceptions of faculty members about research courses in undergraduate pharmacy curriculum: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The commitment of pharmacy graduates to patient care and research is crucial to advancing pharmaceutical science and practice. Consequently, the value of involving undergraduate pharmacy students in research has been increasingly recognized. Given that the College of Pharmacy at Qatar University offers two undergraduate pharmacy research courses, it is relevant to explore the perception of faculty members of the delivery, impact, facilitators, barriers, and suggested improvements in these courses. This exploration will help to improve the existing curriculum and to highlight the prospective impact of student involvement in undergraduate pharmacy research courses on the personal and professional growth of students, as well as on the progressive evolution of the pharmacy profession. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory case study was performed in which five virtual focus groups were conducted. All eligible faculty members from the clinical pharmacy and pharmaceutical science departments with experience supervising students who had taken one or two undergraduate pharmacy research courses were invited to participate. The focus group questions were based on the Theoretical domain framework of behavioral determinants. Verbatim transcription was performed, and the collected data were thematically analyzed using the computer-assisted coding software NVivo®. RESULTS: Of the 26 eligible faculty members, 21 participated in this study. Five deductive themes were identified: social professional role and influences, beliefs about capabilities, skills, beliefs about consequences and goals, and environmental resources and behavioral regulations. Overall, faculty members identified themselves as assessors and mentors. Participants expected students to possess independence, responsibility, and motivation. They believed that students generally required more practical research skills. Several benefits of incorporating students into undergraduate research have been highlighted, including increased publication productivity and quality. However, several hurdles to undergraduate research in pharmacy have been identified, including limited resources, limited timeframes, and sometimes delayed ethical approval. CONCLUSION: Faculty members expressed optimism regarding the undergraduate research courses. However, some logistical concerns, including the lengthy ethical approval process and resource availability, must be addressed to optimize the effectiveness of these courses.

Examining the role of knowledge and trust on vaccine confidence in North Dakota among university students, faculty, and staff.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is one of the greatest tools for individuals to stay healthy. Individuals are, however, often exposed to misinformation via digital and social media, and thus, may miss the opportunity to develop scientific knowledge about vaccines and trust in relevant stakeholders. This has a damaging impact on vaccine confidence. Understanding vaccine confidence is particularly important in North Dakota, where vaccination rates are lower than national averages. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research are to examine the association between vaccine confidence and three potential sources of it, namely, trust, vaccine knowledge, and vaccine information sources and to investigate the relative strength of three vaccine confidence sources, while accounting for covariates. METHODS: Students (n = 517, 56.6%) and staff and faculty (n = 397, 43.4%) at the University of North Dakota (n = 914) completed an online survey. Logistic regressions estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations among trust in doctors, family/friends, government health agencies, charitable organizations, and religious organizations, vaccine knowledge, vaccine information sources as well as vaccine confidence, accounting for gender, race, marital status, age, religion, political ideology, education, and health status. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 29.43 years (SD = 13.48). Most were females (71.6%) and white (91.5%). Great trust in doctors (OR = 3.29, p < 0.001, 95%CI 1.89, 5.73) government health agencies (OR = 2.95, p < 0.001, 95%CI 2.13, 4.08) and vaccine knowledge (OR = 1.28, p < 0.001, 95%CI 1.18, 1.38) had higher odds of vaccine confidence. Using Internet Government source as the primary source of vaccine information (OR = 1.73, p < 0.05, 95%CI 1.22, 2.44) showed higher odds of vaccine confidence before all independent variables were introduced, but it became non-significant after they were introduced. Trust in government health agencies showed strongest associations with vaccine confidence. CONCLUSION: Multiple stakeholders are necessary to ensure verified, accessible, and accurate information in order to advance vaccine confidence in rural, conservative areas.

Burnout and Job Satisfaction among Lecturers in Public Universities in Enugu State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing awareness of burnout and job disaffection among many professions like health profession, teachers, armed personnel and lawyers. However not much has been studied about university lecturers. AIM: To obtain the prevalence and determine predictors of burnout and job satisfaction among lecturers in public universities in Enugu State, Nigeria. METHODS: It was a cross sectional analytical study. The participants were academic staff from University of Nigeria Nsukka and Enugu State University of Technology who met inclusion criteria. They were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using Oldenberg Burnout Inventory for burnout and Job Descriptive Index for job satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 392 lecturers were studied: The males were 221 (56.3%), and the modal age group was 41-50 years: 152 (38.8%). The majority were married 303 (77.3%) and had worked for ≤10 years (65.8%). The prevalence of burnout was 57.7%. In general, 150 (38.3%) had a high level of job satisfaction. However, in most facets, < 50% were satisfied. Most socio-demographic variables were not associated with either burnout or job satisfaction. There is significant association between burnout and job satisfaction. Almost all 205 (90.7%) who had burnout had low job satisfaction and this was statistically significant (p value = 0.011). Present work condition, pay, opportunities, supervision were used as predictors to level of burnout. Present condition of work was a significant contributor (p = < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of burnout was high and many had low to moderate job satisfaction. Most socio-demographic variables were not associated with burnout or job satisfaction. There was a negative association between job satisfaction and burnout.

Conceptions of bibliographic managers in university teachers. An approach in Latin American.

Background: Due to the accumulation of information generated by the information society, it is necessary to establish scientific criteria for its systematization. The objective of the research was to understand the implicit theories on the use of bibliographic managers in the organization of scientific information in university teachers in Latin American university teachers (Colombia, Ecuador and Peru). Methods: The interpretative paradigm, phenomenological method and qualitative approach were used. The key informants were defined by fifteen teachers with research experience. The technique was the semi-structured interview, and the instrument was the interview script. The study was based on four cyclical-recursive moments, the first was the natural attitude, where information was obtained from the key informants as a result of the interviews. The second moment allowed the epoche-eidetic reduction, consisting of the analysis of each interview. The third moment originated the transcendental epoche-reduction, analyzing each attribute and their consistency. The fourth moment revealed the constitution of the study, integrating in a semantic network the categories, subcategories, and attributes that emerged. Results: Even when it is recognized from the cognitive conception about the concept of bibliographic managers, its applicability or use, it seems not to be so effective in scientific academic spaces and activities, because teachers are still anchored to the traditionalist vision of organizing information through "drive, folder or excel", reflecting the resistance to change. Conclusions: The imperative need for continuous training in the use of bibliographic managers in both students and teachers is asserted, reflected as a transversal strategy throughout all academic cycles and semesters and internalized as a research policy that leads to generate a new change in the conception of researching reliable scientific sources, optimizing time, organizing information and guaranteeing quality research.

Evaluating the factor structure, reliability and validity of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (CBI-SS) among faculty of arts students of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

The Copenhagen burnout inventory-student survey (CBI-SS) has shown promising psychometric properties in diverse student populations. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Nigerian version of the CBI-SS. This was a cross-sectional study of 635 students from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized to assess the CBI-SS validity. The reliability score of the CBI-SS was 0.957, ranging from 0.862 to 0.914 for the subscales. Correlation coefficients among the four CBI-SS factors ranged from 0.507 to 0.713. The CFA indicated an adequate goodness-of-fit for the four-factor model of the CBI-SS with the sample data. However, Item 10 was removed due to unacceptably low Average Variance Extracted score. The four factors demonstrated a negative correlation with both General Academic Self-Efficacy Scale and Cumulative Grade Point Average. Furthermore, both self-reported burnout and perceived course stress showed associations with the CBI-SS, where lower levels of burnout corresponded with lower median scores on the CBI-SS scales. This study underscores the significance of the CBI-SS in evaluating student burnout within our student population. The findings indicate that the CBI-SS is a highly reliable and valid instrument for assessing student burnout, suggesting its potential for effective utilization in the Nigerian academic context.

Clinical Site Visits: Perspectives of Clinical Instructors and Site Coordinators of Clinical Education.

INTRODUCTION: Site visits (SVs) are a common component of clinical education. The purpose of this paper was to explore clinicians' perspectives regarding SVs, including methods of communication used and their effectiveness, purposes of SVs, and the level of interaction between the stakeholders. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE: Several communication methods are used to conduct SVs, with varying levels of "richness" and effectiveness. Previous studies have explored the perceptions of physical therapist (PT) students and Directors of Clinical Education regarding communication methods used during SVs, as well as reporting the purposes, effectiveness, and logistics. SUBJECTS: Clinicians, including clinical instructors (CIs) and Site Coordinators of Clinical Education, from across the United States, representing various geographical locations and settings were invited to participate. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to participants using information from 2 PT education programs and the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument database. RESULTS: A total of 273 responses were included in the analysis. Clinicians ranked in-person visits as their first choice of communication for future SVs (n = 157, 59.9%) and indicated that in-person communication was "very effective" (n = 143, 52.4%) when compared with videoconferencing (n = 55, 20.1%) and telephone (n = 49, 17.9%). Clinicians ranked verifying the competency level of the student and verifying site resources during the SV as "extremely important" or "important" (n = 257, 94.2% and n = 250, 91.5%, respectively). Answering CI's questions and providing support to the CI were also identified as "extremely important" or "important" (n = 262, 96% and n = 244, 89.4%, respectively). Analysis of open-ended responses revealed 5 themes: Communication is important, flexibility allows best fit for a situation, on-site visits offer a more complete picture, real-time dialog is preferred, and email can lead to misinterpretation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Communication is a key component of the clinical-academic relationship. Although clinicians prefer in-person communication, flexibility is necessary when planning and conducting SVs. Future research recommendations include gathering student and clinician perceptions regarding faculty involvement in SVs, as well as gathering faculty perspectives regarding their participation in SVs. In addition, the impact of the pandemic on the future of SVs warrants further exploration.

Research on the mechanism of academic stress on occupational burnout in Chinese universities.

In recent years, with the unremitting advancement of higher education reform, academics have been experiencing stress associated with conducting scientific research. In this study focusing on university teachers in China, we adopted a stepwise regression method and reviewed related literature to construct a mechanism of academic stress and occupational burnout. Specifically, we tested job satisfaction and relative deprivation as mediating and moderating variables and conducted empirical research on 1239 teachers from 15 universities in eastern, central, and western China. Our findings show that: (1) academic stress has a significant positive effect on occupational burnout; (2) job satisfaction has a partial role as the intermediary agent between academic stress and occupational burnout; and (3) relative deprivation positively moderates the relationship between academic stress and job satisfaction, indicating that teachers in universities and colleges are also affected by relative deprivation and the perception of inequity. These findings have significant value in the management of higher education and academic research.

Associations between perceived occupational stressors and symptoms severity of depression, anxiety and stress among academic faculty: First cross-sectional study from Qatar.

BACKGROUND: Mental health concerns among university faculty are on the rise, with reports of anxiety, depression, and occupational stress, impacting the higher education community. In Qatar, an assessment of faculty mental health has not been previously realized. The objectives of the current study were twofold: Firstly, to evaluate the extent of perceived occupational stress, depression, anxiety, and stress, and secondly, to assess the association among these mental health parameters. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among faculty using an online, self-administered, anonymous, voluntary survey. All faculty were included by sending the survey to their institutional emails. In addition to faculty demographics and general health status, the survey measured perceived stress due to academic job roles using the Faculty Stress Index (FSI) with its five distinct domains, and assessed faculty mental health using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21). Modified Poisson regression with robust variance was used to assess how FSI influences levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. RESULTS: A total of 112 faculty responded to the survey. The highest faculty self-perceptions of mental health conditions were for anxiety (63% at least moderate), followed by depression (30% at least moderate), and least for stress (26% at least moderate). The overall mean FSI score was 48.8 ± 29.4; time constraint and rewards and recognition domains scored highest (18.5 ± 11.4 and 13.3 ± 9.3 respectively) while the departmental influence domain scored least (4.8 ± 4.4). Increased risk of at least moderate levels of self-perceived depression and stress were significantly associated with higher FSI score (p˂0.001). Increased risk of at least moderate levels of depression were less likely among faculty aged 50 years and above (p = 0.034), while increased risk of at least moderate levels of anxiety were more likely among faculty from humanities colleges (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first investigation of university faculty mental health in Qatar, indicating multifactorial perceived occupational stress, associated with higher perceived severity of mental health conditions. These baseline results establish links between specific occupational stressors for faculty and their mental well-being. As such, assessment of mental health conditions, controlling occupational stress, and developing tailored mental health interventions for faculty, are strategic to implement and foster well-being of academics. Further research into mental health of faculty and designing effective interventions that consider their specific stressors and associated factors are warranted.

Initiatives for promoting educator wellbeing: a Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Growing demands on educators have resulted in increased levels of burnout and stress and decreasing wellbeing. This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the key characteristics required in prospective educator wellbeing initiatives. METHODS: The Delphi approach is a process of forecasting that is based on the aggregated opinion of panel members (or experts) within a field of study. Using a Delphi approach, academic and practitioner expertise were sought over a two-rounds, with 17 and 14 participants in each round respectively. The study aimed to identify how systemic factors (e.g., leadership) could be utilised to promote educator wellbeing. The study also sought expert consensus on enablers and barriers for engagement in educator wellbeing initiatives. RESULTS: Findings highlighted the importance of fostering positive relationships with colleagues, communities and families, and the active role of wellbeing teams to promote wellbeing initiatives. The need for leaders to address their own wellbeing and build trust within teams was also identified. Panel members identified the need for prospective funding to prioritise wellbeing initiatives. There was also a preference for ongoing initiatives rather than stand-alone wellbeing events that conveyed the ongoing importance of managing one's wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: This paper presents practical recommendations that can be used to inform the development and evaluation of future initiatives and policy. Applying the consensus derived from this study is likely to make wellbeing initiatives more viable and facilitate uptake amongst educators.

How Do Psychology Professors View the Relation Between Scientific Knowledge and Its Applicability and Societal Relevance?

How do researchers in psychology view the relation between scientific knowledge, its applicability, and its societal relevance? Most research on psychological science and its benefits to society is discussed from a bird's eye view (a meta-scientific perspective), by identifying general trends such as psychology's dominant focus on lab-based experiments and general descriptive theories. In recent years, several critics have argued that this focus has come at the cost of reduced practical and societal relevance. In this study, we interviewed Dutch psychology professors to gauge their views about the relation between psychological research and its relevance to society. We found that psychology professors engaged in a variety of activities to engage science with society, from work in clinical and applied settings, to consultancy, education, and science communication. However, we found that the role of theory when applying scientific knowledge to practical problems is far from straightforward. While most participants regarded theories as relevant to understanding general contexts of application, psychological theories were seldom directly related to specific applications. We compare and discuss our findings in the light of recent discussions about the lack of applicability and societal relevance of psychological science.