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Organizational Trust in Times of Challenge: The Impact on Faculty and Administrators

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Abstract

Higher education institutions have faced increased social, cultural, economic, and political challenges in recent decades. In this study we used the socio-cultural construct of trust to understand how organizational responses to external challenges impact the relationship between faculty members and administrators. Using extensive interviews, observations, and document analysis from a small, private college, we considered how intentionality, a safe campus climate, expertise, participatory governance, and transparency impact stakeholders’ perceptions of organizational trust.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Undergraduate Programs, Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, USA

    Cherron R. Hoppes

  2. Higher Education, The University of Alabama, 323C Graves Hall, Box 870302, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35487, USA

    Karri A. Holley

Authors
  1. Cherron R. Hoppes
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  2. Karri A. Holley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cherron R. Hoppes.

Appendix

Appendix

Faculty Interview Protocol

  1. 1.

    Educational background?

  2. 2.

    Length of time as full-time faculty?

  3. 3.

    Length of time at current institution?

  4. 4.

    Appointment at other institution(s)? If so, where?

  5. 5.

    Why did you select this institution?

  6. 6.

    How would you describe the health of your institution in terms of…

    1. a.

      Enrollment and Financial position? (long and short term)

    2. b.

      Relationship with Board of Trustees?

    3. c.

      Relationship with regional accreditor?

    4. d.

      Faculty engagement in governance?

  7. 7.

    If you could change anything about the culture/environment of the institution today, what would it be?

  8. 8.

    If there were something you could protect from change in the culture/environment of the institution today, what would it be?

  9. 9.

    Under which circumstances do you work with administrators (directors, deans, vice presidents, president)?

  10. 10.

    How would you describe those interactions?

  11. 11.

    Are there some you relate to better than others? If so, why?

  12. 12.

    Tell me about a time when you trusted an administrator you've worked with. Why did you?

  13. 13.

    How about a time when you didn't trust an administrator? Why did you not that person?

  14. 14.

    If you have experienced a lack of trust at this institution, what would it take to regain it?

  15. 15.

    What role do you play in creating a culture of trust at your institution? Can you give an example?

Administrator Interview Protocol

  1. 1.

    Employment background?

  2. 2.

    Length of time as an administrator (director, dean, vice president, president)?

  3. 3.

    Length of time at current institution?

  4. 4.

    Appointment at other institution(s)? If so, where?

  5. 5.

    Why did you select this institution?

  6. 6.

    How would you describe the health of your institution in terms of…

    1. a.

      Enrollment and Financial position?

    2. b.

      Long or short term situation

    3. c.

      Relationship with Board of Trustees?

    4. d.

      Relationship with regional accreditor?

    5. e.

      Faculty engagement in governance?

  7. 7.

    If you could change anything about the culture/environment of the institution today, what would it be?

  8. 8.

    If there were something you could protect from change in the culture/environment of the institution today, what would it be?

  9. 9.

    Under which circumstances do you work with faculty?

  10. 10.

    Do you work primarily with individual faculty members or faculty leadership (department chairs, senate chair, etc.)?

  11. 11.

    How would you describe those interactions?

  12. 12.

    Are there some you relate to better than others? If so, why?

  13. 13.

    Do you feel there is a culture of trust at your institution?

    1. a.

      Among administrators?

    2. b.

      Among faculty members?

    3. c.

      Between faculty and administrators?

  14. 14.

    If you have experienced a lack of trust at this institution, what would it take to regain it?

  15. 15.

    What role do you feel you play in creating a culture of trust at your institution? Can you give an example?

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Hoppes, C.R., Holley, K.A. Organizational Trust in Times of Challenge: The Impact on Faculty and Administrators. Innov High Educ 39, 201–216 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-013-9275-y

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