Network and perceptual determinants of satisfaction among science and engineering faculty in US research universities

Eric W. Welch () and Yamini Jha ()
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Eric W. Welch: Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy Studies (CSTEPS), School of Public Affairs
Yamini Jha: The University of New Hampshire

The Journal of Technology Transfer, 2016, vol. 41, issue 2, No 7, 290-328

Abstract: Abstract This study examines how personal research collaboration and advice networks of academic faculty in six fields of science and engineering affect three kinds of satisfaction: satisfaction with rewards; satisfaction with reputation of department and institution; and satisfaction with professional recognition and visibility of research. The study includes determinants found in the literature such as perceived influence on departmental decisions, departmental provision of resources, and perceptions of time spent on service and other controls. Using data collected from a national survey of academic faculty in six fields of science and engineering in Carnegie designated Research I universities, regression models test literature derived hypotheses. Findings show that the effects of network structure and resources on satisfaction depend on the kind of satisfaction studied. Non-network variables demonstrate associations with satisfaction that are generally expected from the literature. The paper provides evidence of the critical role that personal research collaboration and advice networks play for scientists’ satisfaction. It also raises important questions about the complex relationships between network structures and resources, and satisfaction. Conclusions present implications for university and departmental administrators.

Keywords: Collaboration network; Advice network; Science and engineering; Satisfaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Z13 Z18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s10961-015-9393-z

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