Knowledge Processing and Faculty Engagement in Multicultural University Settings: A Social Learning Perspective

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Knowledge Processing and Faculty Engagement in Multicultural University Settings: A Social Learning Perspective
Language: English
Authors: Selmer, Jan, Jonasson, Charlotte, Lauring, Jakob
Source: Journal of Further and Higher Education. 2014 38(2):211-229.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2014
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Higher Education, College Faculty, Social Exchange Theory, Socialization, Cultural Pluralism, Colleges, Teacher Attitudes, Knowledge Management, Teacher Behavior, Interprofessional Relationship, Work Attitudes, Sharing Behavior, Teacher Characteristics, Measures (Individuals), Predictor Variables, Statistical Distributions, Multiple Regression Analysis, Online Surveys
Geographic Terms: Denmark
DOI: 10.1080/0309877X.2012.706808
ISSN: 0309-877X
Abstract: In educational studies much attention has been directed to engagement as a precondition for positive student outcomes. Very few studies, however, have focused on the engagement of the faculty members. This is a regrettable omission because engagement has been argued to lead to more satisfied, more productive and healthier faculty members. In this study, based on a sample consisting of 489 members of multicultural university departments, we set out to investigate the relationship between internal knowledge processing--conceptualised as the ability to locate and share knowledge in the faculty group--and faculty engagement. Our hypotheses are based on social learning theory and social exchange theory predicting that increased knowledge sharing activities could facilitate an environment in which faculty engagement thrives. In order to test our hypotheses we use multiple regression analysis. We assessed indicators of behavioural, cognitive and emotional engagement. Results showed consistent positive associations between group knowledge processing and all the studied faculty engagement indicators. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed in detail.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 86
Entry Date: 2014
Accession Number: EJ1028046
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In educational studies much attention has been directed to engagement as a precondition for positive student outcomes. Very few studies, however, have focused on the engagement of the faculty members. This is a regrettable omission because engagement has been argued to lead to more satisfied, more productive and healthier faculty members. In this study, based on a sample consisting of 489 members of multicultural university departments, we set out to investigate the relationship between internal knowledge processing--conceptualised as the ability to locate and share knowledge in the faculty group--and faculty engagement. Our hypotheses are based on social learning theory and social exchange theory predicting that increased knowledge sharing activities could facilitate an environment in which faculty engagement thrives. In order to test our hypotheses we use multiple regression analysis. We assessed indicators of behavioural, cognitive and emotional engagement. Results showed consistent positive associations between group knowledge processing and all the studied faculty engagement indicators. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed in detail.
ISSN:0309-877X
DOI:10.1080/0309877X.2012.706808