Date of Award

12-1981

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Uldis Smidchens

Second Advisor

Dr. Richard Munsterman

Third Advisor

Dr. John D. Seago

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify morale determinants and then to determine the extent of morale relationships and similarities among various categories of students and between students and faculty members in Southern Baptist institutions of higher education.

The study was conducted with randomly selected students and faculty members from four Southern Baptist institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Two similar research instruments were used to collect data from 230 of 300 students and from 50 of 60 faculty members.

Selected morale studies of the 50's, 60's and 70's were studied in the review of related literature. These studies confirmed that the subject of morale (sometimes referred to as espirit, quality of work-life or attitudinal climate) is always a timely subject of concern . . . be it in the world of business, industry, military life or education.

After morale determinants were identified and comparisons made, seven hypotheses were tested.

Findings included: (1) Although some similarities in morale determinants were identified by students and faculty members, dissimilarities far outnumbered the similarities. Nevertheless, the similarities were important ones and should be addressed by trustees and administrators. (2) Morale self-perception for students did not necessarily increase with age, nor did it increase with the length of time one, either student or faculty member, had spent on campus. (3) Morale self-perception for students was not dependent upon a student's marital status, nor did one's class status dictate a particular morale rating. (4) Military veterans among students did show a higher morale self-perception than did their non-veteran colleagues.

To conclude the study, ten recommendations were offered to educational leaders. One recommendation concerned the necessity for open and continuous communication between all categories of persons within the institutional family. Another recommendation dealt with the necessity of handling student apathy, unconcern and misconduct in a fair, just and swift manner. And, a further recommendation emphasized the absolute must of placing academics first and foremost in the list of campus priorities.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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