Job Satisfaction of International Educators

Abstract

Job satisfaction is one of the most researched topics in the field of industrial psychology. This dissertation is an examination of job satisfaction of international educators in the post-September 11th era. International educators have experienced immense change since September 11, including implementation of the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and the threat of global terrorism. As a result many international educators are contemplating early retirement or are leaving the field for different vocations. This study focuses on four different international educator groups: English as a second language administrators/ teachers, international student advisors, study abroad/ international program advisors, and international admissions advisors. The study is the first comprehensive look at job satisfaction of international educators in the research literature.

The researcher utilizes a well-established instrument from the field of industrial psychology, the Job Diagnostic Index (JDI). The JDI has been tested extensively for validity and reliability through public and private sector studies. The questionnaire is one that is used to evaluate job satisfaction of individuals who are in positions that have undergone change, thus a perfect fit for international educators.

The sampling technique utilized was stratified random sample of all NAFSA regions. The instrument was altered slightly to include international educators and institutional descriptive statistics. These figures were cross-validated with NAFSA (where available) demographic statistics to make sure the sample is an accurate representation of NAFSA members. The study was also piloted in the state of Kentucky and retested for additional validity and reliability.

The researcher employed a hierarchical multiple regression statistical procedure to examine the various independent variables and their effect on overall job satisfaction. Variable entrance into the regression analysis was based on the Hulin et al. (1985) Job Satisfaction Model. The results are examined and explained in way to help practitioners understand the areas that are most satisfying and most dissatisfying to international educators.

About the Author

Dr. DeWayne Frazier is currently employed as Senior Vice President for International Programs at Upper Iowa University (UIU) in Fayette, Iowa. Dr. Frazier is responsible for overseeing UIU's programs in foreign venues. He works closely with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association on Accreditation to assure that all programs operate within the given principles and approved parameters. Upper Iowa University currently has centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Prior to coming to UIU, Dr. Frazier served as the Dean of International Education and an assistant professor of international studies at Campbellsville University. He was also the Director of the Honors Program. Dr. Frazier served as the NAFSA: Association of International Educators State Representative for Kentucky. He has also served as the International Program Advisor at the University of Louisville and worked in similar capacities at Truman State University and Northern Kentucky University.