The effect of centralized decision-making on work satisfaction among nursing educators.

The relationship between work satisfaction and centralization of organizational decision-making was examined using survey data from faculty members at four baccalaureate degree schools of nursing, supplemented by interviews with the deans. In a multiple regression analysis, centralization was a significant predictor of satisfaction (p less than .01), with other relevant variables controlled. In tests for statistical interaction, the effect of centralization on satisfaction did not depend on the strength of faculty members' desires for professional autonomy. The results suggested the potential benefits of changes in organizational decision-making to increase faculty participation.

Professional autonomy and the work satisfaction of nursing educators.

The importance and satisfaction associated with 21 characteristics of a nurse faculty position were examined, using 1974 questionnaire data from schools of nursing at four major state universities. Teaching, supportive colleagues, keeping clinical knowledge current, and faculty autonomy were seen as the most important aspects of the job by the 154 nursing educators surveyed, while salary, fringe benefits, and other extrinsic rewards ranked substantially lower in importance. Satisfaction with the more important conditions was generally low, with lack of faculty participation in decision making a particularly noteworthy source of dissatisfaction. Importance and satisfaction ranking of the 21 characteristics remained fairly stable across the four schools and across groups broken down by martial status, experience, and other personal attributes. Increased professional autonomy, it was suggested, would benefit faculty morale, recruitment, retention, and overall effectiveness in nursing education.