Empowering satisfaction: analyzing the relationship between empowerment, work conditions, and job satisfaction for international center managers

Jon McNaughtan, Hugo A. García, Tiberio Garza, Yvonne R. Harwood

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

The rising cost of higher education has driven researchers and practitioners alike to identify areas of waste and search for practices associated with increasing efficiency. One area commonly targeted is human resources, where the dominant narrative focuses on the role of downsizing as a way to decrease cost. In contrast to workforce reduction, institutions could reduce inefficiencies by finding effective ways to avoid premature departure and strengthen the current workforce in higher education. In this study, we analyze employees’ perception of their work conditions and sense of empowerment, in relation to job satisfaction, which has been found to increase productivity and reduce turnover. To illustrate and model key variables, we utilize structural equation modeling to analyze the relationship between our key latent constructs. We find empowerment is positively related to job satisfaction, while working conditions are not.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-99
Number of pages17
JournalTertiary Education and Management
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2019

Keywords

  • Empowerment
  • Job satisfaction
  • Midlevel staff
  • Structural equation modeling

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