A Matter of Degree: Faculty Morale as a Function of Involvement in Institutional Decisions During Times of Financial Distress

Recent literature suggests that including faculty in institutional governance relates positively with higher faculty morale. This study examined provosts’ and faculty perceptions of morale as related to faculty involvement in decision making during a time of financial stress. The results indicate a direct relationship between morale and the severity of the institutional reduction plan implemented. However, a relationship between faculty participation in the reduction process and faculty morale was not found. Suggestions for institutional decision making strategies are presented.