Mid-Career Faculty Perceptions of Fit at Public Comprehensive Universities

• In Event: 16.061 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.061-16 - Understanding Faculty Throughout Their Life-Span

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine faculty perceptions of organizational fit and the institutional conditions that contribute to good fit. The study focused on a specific career stage (mid-career) and a particular institutional type (public comprehensive universities). In addition, we were interested in understanding the relationship between person-organization fit and faculty vitality. At three selected institutions, we interviewed 30 mid-career faculty who reported high levels of professional vitality. These faculty identified good person-organization fit as key to sustaining their vitality and productivity, as well as the quality of their professional work lives. This study provides insights that may be useful to both faculty and higher education institutions in how to align and sustain good fit.

Authors

• Anne M. DeFelippo, Salem State University

• Jay R. Dee, University of Massachusetts Boston

• Cheryl Daly, University of Massachusetts - Boston