Faculty Motivation for Research: Analysis of Gender, Marital Status, and Family Status Effects

• In Event: Faculty Identity and Faculty Careers

Abstract

Faculty motivation is a relatively novel area of study, while work and family domains have been studied widely. However, few studies incorporate the impact of marital and family status roles on faculty motivation. Therefore, this study examines the impact of gender, marital status, and family status on faculty motivation for research. Findings indicate that being married, having children, and male faculty have more favorable experiences and more motivation for research than other faculty. Regression revealed that for married faculty, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and relatedness predicted perceived success. For male faculty, relatedness is a predictor of perceived success. This study highlights the impact marital and family status has on faculty’s motivation to do research, a major source of institutional funding.

Authors

• Allyssa Baumbach, University of North Dakota

• Robert H. Stupnisky, University of North Dakota