A Study on the Antecedents of Employee Engagement: Evidence from a Private Higher Education Institution

Abstract

Employee engagement remains a crucial determinant of institutional success, yet research on its antecedents within private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines is limited (Packing, 2023). This study addressed this gap by identifying the antecedents of faculty engagement in a leading private HEI in Northern Mindanao. Utilizing a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative research design, the study surveyed 40 faculty members using an adapted and validated questionnaire that assessed demographics and extent of antecedents of employee engagement. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and bivariate testing to examine variations across sex, length of service, and employment status. The findings primarily revealed that meaningful work (M = 4.33, SD = 0.61) and co-worker support (M = 4.23, SD = 0.59) were the most frequently observed antecedents, while performance feedback (M = 3.44, SD = 0.89) was the lowest-rated factor. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in antecedents of engagement based on sex and length of service. However, employment status was found to have a significant association with perceived organizational support and feedback mechanisms (p < 0.05). These results imply the need for enhanced feedback structures and support systems, particularly for contractual faculty.