Antecedents of Work Engagement of Higher Education Professors in Brazil

Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to identify and analyze the antecedents of work engagement through job demands and resources of the higher education professors in Brazil. Originality/value: First findings of engagement, job resources and demands regarding Brazilian professors sample. This dissertation contributes to the reflection of their situation and the conditions of their jobs. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a quantitative approach by means of applying an online questionnaire composed of identification questions and two scales. The sample comprised 506 professors belonging to all federative units of the country. Data collected from the questionnaire was analyzed through descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and t-test. Findings: The main findings show that professors, in general, have medium levels of engagement, but it is very close to the limit that can affect their health. The qualitative demands are the most expressive in the working life of these professionals and the work resources (task execution) were those that obtained the highest average among all resources, followed by the social ones. In general, professors from private institutions perceive job demands and resources more favorably than those who work in public institutions.

Systematic Review of the Job Demands and Resources of Academic Staff within Higher Education Institutions

“…Thus, the search for understanding the actual work situation of higher education academics is of paramount importance, given the relevance of what they are supposed to accomplish in society. Moreover, even though it is widely known that the future of a nation passes through the hands of good teachers, these experts have been undergoing moments of crisis and devaluation in their careers (Mercali & Costa, 2019). One such example is the Covid-19 pandemic which deeply influenced work sectors, including academia.…”

Disparity in Higher Education Provision Caused by Technological Capabilities of Nations during Covid-19

“…According to Schaufeli et al [11], such job demands should be supported through the availability of adequate resources. Mercali et al [12] highlighted that the faculty's job demands include workload, change management, emotional demand and work-life balance demands. These demands need to be supported through work resources, organizational resources, professional development resources, and social resources.…”

“…These demands need to be supported through work resources, organizational resources, professional development resources, and social resources. For the faculty's job, these resources include teaching tools, adequate time, academic freedom, trust, interpersonal relations, professional development, open communication, fairness, and participation in the decision-making process [12]. As per the job demand-resources model, the faculty experienced high levels of stress and burnout.…”

A Psicologia Positiva e sua aplicação nos contextos do trabalho

“…Para Antunes (Gotardo & Ferreira, 2015;Oliveira & Ferreira, 2016). (Mercali & Costa, 2019;Guimarães et al, 2019). (Silva Filho & Ferreira, 2015).…”