Institutional Mobility Intentions and Job Satisfaction of Model Minority University Faculties in the United States

The purpose of this study is to quantitatively understand the institutional mobility intentions and job satisfaction of Asian Female Foreign Faculties (AFFFs) working in colleges and universities in the United States (U.S.) to supplement previous qualitative research focusing on their experiences and perceptions. This study uses 2012–2020 data from the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education’s (COACHE) Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey. The results show that among both, AFFFs and other foreign faculties, the intention to move from one’s current university is uncertain. AFFFs’ job satisfaction, including their interactions with other faculties, is lower than that of white U.S. citizen faculties and Asian male foreign faculties. AFFFs’ uncertain intentions are related to their lower job satisfaction and adjustment, such as a sense of belonging to the department. These findings add demographical considerations to the theory, explaining the relationship between faculties satisfaction and mobility intentions.