Abstract
AIM: The purpose of this study was to understand nursing faculty's perceptions of meaningful recognition and how it contributes to a caring academic climate.
BACKGROUND: A supportive, healthy work environment is critical in recruiting and retaining nursing faculty. Research on caring for faculty through meaningful recognition and the impact on the workplace climate is limited.
METHOD: The study employed a parallel mixed-methods design in which quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated into synthesized conclusions. A total of 193 full-time faculty participated in the survey portion of the study; 15 full- and part-time faculty participated in video-conferenced focus groups.
RESULTS: Results of this study demonstrated that meaningful recognition contributes to a caring workplace, motivates faculty work performance, and impacts faculty roles in positive ways.
CONCLUSION: For recognition to be meaningful, it must be genuine, aligned with faculty's perceptions of performance, commensurate with level of effort, and relevant to individuals.