Assessment of and recommendations to improve pharmacy faculty satisfaction and retention

The level of job satisfaction and items associated with job satisfaction are examined among pharmacy faculty in the United States.

An Internet-based survey was developed and distributed via e-mail to randomly selected faculty. The survey questionnaire was developed based on items used in previous surveys related to faculty job satisfaction and included a seven-item job satisfaction measure, satisfaction with work- and career-related items, items regarding the work environment, and demographic information. Analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the relationship among variables.

Out of 1000 faculty members who received the survey, 266 responded. The mean +/- S.D. level of global job satisfaction for faculty was 3.82 +/- 0.77. Global satisfaction and salary satisfaction were associated with higher salary level (p < 0.001). Low-to-moderate levels of satisfaction were found for several work and career items. Female faculty members were less satisfied with time for family and personal needs compared with male faculty (p < 0.001). Pharmacy practice faculty members were significantly more satisfied with working in an intellectually challenging environment compared with nonpharmacy practice faculty (p < 0.001).

Although pharmacy faculty members experience moderate levels of job satisfaction, there are several work and career and work environment areas in which improvement in satisfaction is needed. Provision of competitive salaries and development of a stimulating, supportive institutional culture may increase job satisfaction and facilitate improved faculty retention.