Benchmark Data Package Report Overview

Transcription

1 Benchmark Data Package University of Texas Pan American Prepared by: ModernThink, LLC 4519 Weldin Road Wilmington, DE Phone: Fax:

2 Page 1 Introduction ModernThink is pleased to present to you the 2008 Chronicle Great Colleges to Work for Survey Benchmark Data Report Package. This overview includes a brief introduction of the Great Colleges program, a summary of the survey instruments, and a description of each report you have received. The success of any workplace recognition program is a function of the integrity of the process and the legitimacy of the methodology. At ModernThink we are committed to research that stands up to the scrutiny of analysis and the test of time. Our process is designed to be simple and convenient for participating institutions, and one that provides significant value to participating institutions, regardless of whether or not they are ultimately recognized. In January 2008, The Chronicle of Higher Education and ModernThink invited 844 colleges and universities across five Carnegie Classifications to participate in this inaugural Great Colleges to Work For Program. Invitations were extended across the following Carnegie Classifications: RU/VH: Research Universities (very high research activity) RU/H: Research Universities (high research activity) DRU: Doctoral/Research Universities Master s/l: Master s Colleges and Universities (larger programs) Bac/A&S: Baccalaureate Colleges Arts & Sciences The program was designed to recognize institutions that have been successful in creating great workplaces and to further our research and understanding of the factors, dynamics and influences that have the most impact on organization culture at institutions of higher education. At the core of the program was a two-part assessment process; an employee/faculty survey (The ) and completion of an institutional audit that captures information detailing various institution demographics, polices, practices and infrastructure (The ModernThink Institution Questionnaire ). Each participating institution was asked to submit a list of employees randomly selected across three categories (Administration, Faculty and Professional Support Staff) to participate in the survey. The sample size of either 400 or 600 was determined based on the number of employees in the various categories. While ModernThink did not require a stratified random sample, the participants were asked that the samples be reflective of the percentages of these categories at the institution. For those institutions that had fewer than 400 employees/faculty in the designated categories, ModernThink surveyed the entire population. The employee/faculty survey was administered via an online survey from April 11 th through April 25 th, The Institution Questionnaire was administered online from March 18 th through April 25 th, Eighty-nine organizations participated in this inaugural program through which

3 Page 2 ModernThink surveyed over 15,000 faculty and employees (4,003 identified as Administration, 5,840 identified as Faculty and 4,262 identified as Professional Support Staff). Survey Instruments The is an employee/faculty survey based on the ModernThink Insight Survey, an assessment tool that has been used in over fifty-five Best Place to Work programs with more than 4,000 organizations. The ModernThink Insight Survey was developed after a meta-analysis of best workplaces and engagement surveys and our on-going research studying organizations that have been successful in building special and unique cultures. The survey instrument measures the extent to which employees are involved/engaged in the organization and ultimately, the quality of the employees workplace experience. The ModernThink Insight Survey is tested annually by an independent survey research firm. Working with The Chronicle of Higher Education, ModernThink convened a blue ribbon panel of professionals within the field of higher education to solicit input regarding the customization of the ModernThink Insight Survey and the ModernThink Institution Questionnaire so that they would best reflect the dynamics, systems and demographics unique to higher education. The consists of seventy statements that employees/faculty respond to using a five-point agreement scale (Strongly Agree, Agree, Sometimes Agree/Sometimes Disagree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree). Additionally, there is a Not Applicable response option. The survey instrument also includes a fifteen item benefits satisfaction component and two open-ended questions. There are fourteen demographic questions at the end of the survey (Gender, Age, Ethnicity, Marital Status, Annual Salary, Job Status, Years at Institution, Tenure Status, Supervisory Status, Years in Current Role, Job Category, Job Role, School/College and Department). Respondents were encouraged to provide responses however they had the option of omitting a response if they had concerns regarding the anonymity of their responses. The measures fifteen dimensions reflecting managerial and organizational competencies. These dimensions were determined and confirmed through a series of factor analyses and provide the basis for the majority of the recognition categories. The Survey Dimensions Faculty, Administration & Staff Relations This category is based on the average response across five survey statements that provide insight into the quality of faculty-administration relations (e.g. Statement 53 Faculty,

4 Page 3 administration and staff work together to ensure the success of institution programs and initiatives). Participation in College Governance Building on the quality of faculty-administration relations dimension, this survey factor captures information specifically related to collaborative governance. Three statements comprise this dimension including Statement 43 The role of faculty in share governance is clearly stated and publicized. Career Development, Research & Scholarship (Faculty) Only responses from faculty were considered in determining those institutions recognized in this category. There are four statements in this dimension (e.g. Statement 9 I have adequate time for scholarly pursuits). Teaching Environment (Faculty) Three statements provide insight into the teaching environment. Here also, only responses of faculty were considered in the analysis (e.g. Statement 58 There is appropriate recognition of innovative and high quality teaching). Compensation & Benefits Separate statements capture information about the effectiveness of the benefits offered (Statement 23 This institution s benefits meet my needs) and the perception that one is compensated fairly (Statement 11 I am paid fairly for my work). Facilities and Security Three statements comprise this category, notably Statement 59 The institution takes reasonable steps to provide a safe and secure environment for the campus. Additionally, ModernThink collected detailed information about Emergency Response Plans in the Institution Questionnaire. Job Satisfaction One of the more self-explanatory categories, this category includes three statements related to job fit, autonomy and resources (e.g. Statement 4 I am provided the resources I need to be effective in my job). Confidence in Senior Leadership Senior leadership was defined as the most senior members of the institution (e.g. Chancellor or President and those who directly report to them). There are nine statements on the survey that directly reference senior leadership, one example being Statement 36 Senior leadership provides a clear direction for this institution s future. Internal Communications The quality of the internal communications has significant impact on how employees/faculty experience the institution as a whole. In the nine communication statements ModernThink solicited feedback regarding transparency, clarity and interactivity (e.g. Statement 21 When I offer a new idea, I believe it will be fully considered).

5 Page 4 Connection to Institution & Pride Six statements on the survey collectively focus on the sense of connection and pride employees report regarding their affiliation with the institution (e.g. Statement 63 I feel a strong sense of loyalty to this organization). Supervisor/Department Chair Relationship There has been significant research measuring the importance of the relationship an employee has with their supervisor or direct report. Accordingly, there are eight statements that measure managerial competencies and the health of this important relationship (e.g. Statement 3 My supervisor/department chair makes his/her expectations clear). Collaboration Six statements of the survey focus on the essential aspect of teamwork in the workplace. Participants were asked to evaluate the level of camaraderie and confidence within their individual departments and throughout the institution. Statements in this index include Statement 35 I can count on people to cooperate across departments. Fairness A fundamental component of great workplaces is the confidence employees have in the belief they will be treated fairly, especially regarding compensation and performance management. Statements in this dimension include Statement 17 I can speak up or challenge a traditional way of doing something without fear of harming my career. Respect & Appreciation Five statements on the survey provide insight into the degree employees feel valued. Additionally, ModernThink collected information regarding both informal and formal systems that ultimately impact to what extent employees feel appreciated and respected. Among the survey statements in this dimension is Statement 13 I am regularly recognized for my contributions. Policies, Resources & Efficiency The policies, resources and efficiency dimension is comprised of seven statements that assess the perceived effectiveness of various systems, policies and infrastructure. Among the systems ModernThink inquired about are the employee/faculty orientation process and the importance placed on having a diverse community (e.g. Statement 56 This institution places sufficient emphasis on having a diverse faculty, administration and staff). The Benefits Satisfaction Survey Component The satisfaction component of the survey includes fifteen categories (see next page) which respondents are asked to respond to using a five-point satisfaction scale (Very Satisfied, Satisfied, Neutral, Dissatisfied, Very Satisfied). Here also, there is a Not Applicable response option. Institutions recognized in these categories were those that had the highest overall average on the satisfaction scale.

6 Page 5 Q. Benefit 1-3 Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision) While ModernThink asked about satisfaction with medical, dental and vision coverage independently, the recognition category is based on a combined score with 50% of the score based on satisfaction with medical coverage and 25% respectively on satisfaction with dental and vision coverage. 4 Life Insurance 5 403b/401k Programs 6-7 Disability Insurance (Short-term/Long-term) Separate questions were directed towards satisfaction with shortterm and long-term disability benefits. The recognition category was based on the combined results of these two questions with both factors weighted equally. 8 Vacation/PTO 9 Post-retirement Benefits Tuition Reimbursement Programs (Employee/Family) Separate questions were directed towards satisfaction with tuition reimbursement benefits for employees and tuition reimbursement benefits for family members. The recognition category was based on the combined results of these two questions with both factors weighted equally. 12 Professional Development Program 13 Tenure Clarity & Process (Faculty) 14 Housing Assistance Programs 15 Physical Workspace/Conditions ModernThink Institution Questionnaire Another critical part of this inaugural Great Colleges to Work For program was the completion of the ModernThink Institution Questionnaire. The Institution Questionnaire captures important demographic data as well as details regarding institution policies and practices. This information enables ModernThink to examine which benefits and programs are most effective, identify best practices and compile benchmark data based on different categorizations of the program participants. The information collected through the Institution Questionnaire was reviewed and analyzed to support our research. Due to the subjective nature of some of the information and differences across classifications, this information was not a factor in determining which institutions were ultimately recognized in the various recognition categories.

7 Page 6 The Benchmark Data Reports The Benchmark Data Report Package shows how your institution measures up to other institutions and is comprised of three separate reports: 1) Best Practices Report All Great Colleges applicants were asked to complete the comprehensive Institution Questionnaire (IQ). Examples of the information collected include documentation related to: Tenure policies Leadership development practices Compensation Training hours Voluntary turnover rates This report uses the IQ data to highlight in the aggregate form the policies and practices of the participating institutions. Through graphs and charts, trends are identified, as well as your relative standing against your peers. The report also includes a Best Practices section where ModernThink highlights exemplary programs implemented at recognized institutions. Best Practices are organized thematically and include the following categories: Rewards/Recognition programs Professional Development programs Communication practices Retention programs 2) Overall Benchmark Scorecard The Overall Benchmark Scorecard compares the positive survey responses from your faculty, administration and staff against a series of higher education benchmarks. The first column of data on the spreadsheet reflects the percentage of positive responses from your employees/faculty who responded with a Strongly Agree or Agree on the fivepoint scale. The second column of data on the spreadsheet reflects the percentage of negative responses when your employees/faculty responded with a Disagree or Strongly Disagree. The next five columns of data include the higher education benchmarks: Best in Size the average positive scores from the five institutions with the best overall scores with comparable employee size (up to 499 employees, employees, or more than 2500 employees)

8 Page 7 Carnegie Classification the average positive scores from all institutions within your basic Carnegie classification (RU/VH, RU/H, DRU, Master s/l, or Bac/A&S) Geography the average positive scores from all institutions within your geographic area (New England, Middle Eastern, Great Lakes, Plains, Southeastern, Southwestern, Rocky Mountains, Far Western, and Outlying areas) Status the average positive scores from all institutions within your particular status of control (Public, Private) Enrollment the average positive scores from all institutions within your student enrollment size (less than 5,000 students, 5,000 20,000 students, or more than 20,000 students) 3) Job Role Benchmark Spreadsheet This spreadsheet details the survey responses from each of the Job Roles under Faculty, Administration and Staff, and compares their responses, statement-by-statement, to two sets of higher education benchmarks: Employee size the average positive scores from all institutions with comparable employee size (up to 499 employees, employees, or more than 2500 employees) Carnegie Classification the average positive scores all from the institutions within your basic Carnegie classification (RU/VH, RU/H, DRU, Master s/l, or Bac/A&S) *An electronic disc of your reports has been included as part of your report package Further Assistance and Next Steps If you have any questions about this report or would like to order additional bound copies of the report, please contact Suzi at or via at sschmittlein@modernthink.com. To learn about additional reports and consulting services that are available for applicants as well as information on the 2009 Chronicle Great Colleges Program please visit