The methods of selecting academic leaders (Faculty members) at new Saudi universities and its relationship to some variables

Abstract

The study aims to identify the current method used for selecting academic leaders (faculty members) at new Saudi universities from the viewpoint of faculty members working there, and whether there is a correlation between the method used and the following variables: Job satisfaction, organizational justice, organizational commitment, productivity motivation, and institutional loyalty and affiliation. In order to achieve this, the present researcher designed a questionnaire consisting of (32) items divided according to the variables mentioned. This questionnaire was distributed to the study sample, i.e. 300 faculty members who were randomly chosen from the study community (2382 members). The results show that there is a correlation between the method used and the foregoing variables (i.e. job satisfaction, organizational justice, organizational commitment, productivity motivation, and institutional loyalty and affiliation) which was at an intermediate level, with the exception of the productivity motivation which was at a high level for university professors, despite the fact that these variables are lower than expected. This made the present researcher recommend that the university and the Ministry of Education would review that mechanism and hold conferences and workshops in order to address it before it causes these positive professors to suffer from disappointment and job burnout. The study also revealed that there were statistically significant differences related to experience, academic rank, and officiality and contracting.