Pharmacy faculty workplace issues: findings from the 2009-2010 COD-COF Joint Task Force on Faculty Workforce.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Academic Administration
• Faculty Development

Background:

• Faculty vitality is crucial for academic organizations, yet many factors remain poorly understood.
• Previous task forces have addressed faculty workforce issues within pharmacy.
• A comprehensive examination of interconnected factors influencing faculty success is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze key factors influencing faculty vitality in pharmacy institutions.
• To provide actionable recommendations for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and pharmacy schools.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on faculty workforce issues, including prior task force work.
• Identification and focus on four interrelated concepts: organizational culture/climate, department chair role, faculty recruitment/retention, and mentoring.
• Consideration of intergenerational, intercultural, and gender dynamics within these concepts.

Main Results:

• Organizational culture and climate significantly impact faculty engagement and retention.
• The department chair's role is pivotal in fostering a supportive and productive academic environment.
• Effective faculty recruitment and retention strategies are essential for long-term departmental strength.
• Mentoring programs are critical for faculty development and career progression across all career stages.

Conclusions:

• Addressing organizational culture, leadership, recruitment, and mentoring is key to enhancing faculty vitality.
• Intergenerational, intercultural, and gender dynamics must be integrated into strategies for faculty support.
• The findings and recommendations aim to improve the overall health and effectiveness of academic pharmacy organizations.