Examining the impact of inequitable work distribution on faculty job satisfaction: a hierarchical linear modeling

Purpose Academic work environments and inequitable work distribution (IWD) have worsened over time despite the crucial role of faculty work in enhancing the quality of adult learning and education. This study aims to examine the impact of IWD on faculty’s overall job satisfaction (OJS), considering department-level factors, such as departmental collegiality (DC) and departmental leadership (DL). Design/methodology/approach Using two-level hierarchical linear modeling, this study analyzed survey data from 392 tenure-track faculty members across 50 departments at a research-intensive university in the United States. Findings This study found that IWD, DC and DL all have significant main effects on faculty job satisfaction. Although the moderating effect of DC on the relationship between IWD and OJS was not significant, this study identified a positive, significant moderating effect of DL between IWD and OJS. Originality/value This paper demonstrated the significant impact of DL on the OJS of faculty, particularly for academic members with unfair workloads. This paper will contribute to understanding the impact of IWD on OJS and consider ways to cultivate an inclusive academic workplace environment.