Comparative Perspectives on Faculty Satisfaction

Abstract

This is a comparative analysis of faculty satisfaction in four Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Ethiopia. The primary objective of the study was to investigate faculty satisfaction in the public vis-à-vis the private HEIs. A set of questionnaire was distributed to 375 randomly selected faculty of four (two public and two private) HEIs to which 190 (88 from public and 102 from private HEIs) faculty members responded. Their satisfaction was observed in terms of governance, benefits, institutional support and individual commitment. The result showed that the faculty in the public HEIs are less satisfied with their job than their counterparts in the private sector. The former, therefore, need to take no time to address the basic needs of the faculty, which include establishing strong support system, reviewing the benefit schemes and strengthening the work environment. A better pay scheme is expected of the private sector to, at least, maintain the status quo.