Research Methodology for Staff Motivation & Values-Based Framework Within Educational Institutions

Abstract

This paper defines the need and methodology for research necessary to better understand the real and practical aspects of what motivates university-based employees and what are the underlying values of those employees that affect their performance. How those values coincide with the values of the institution are also relevant in the way the performance of the employees enhance the performance of the institution. The final dissertation will result in a relevant (and usable) menu of performance incentives to match with each employee or set of employees that will then also enhance the values and performance of the institution.

The research methodology has been revised in 2024 to recognize and reflect trends in higher education, evident in Georgia and globally, of the inclusion of Undergraduate Medical Schools in university programs. Further, societal changes must be considered that affect employee motivation and values due to the re-prioritization of health concerns, remote work options and work life integration/balance stemming from the Covid Pandemic. Similarly, and especially within the education sphere, has the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) influenced staff motivation and values?

An overarching phrase that has become more common and is at the core of this research is that of “Inclusive Workplace”, which in my definition in the context of this project, means that each employee, regardless of any differences in role, level, gender, orientation, etc., is recognized as a valued member of the institution, by themselves and the university. This has always been the ultimate goal of a menu of performance incentives for each employee that also enhances the value and performance of the institution.

These revisions are explained in more detail at the end of this paper.