Antecedents of work engagement of higher education professors in Brazil

Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to identify and analyze the antecedents of work engagementthrough job demands and resources of the higher education professors in Brazil. Originality/value: First findings about engagement, job resources and demandsregarding a 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 onlinequestionnaire 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 ofengagement, 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.