OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION OF INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH INSTRUCTORS AT JAPANESE UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

Instructors comprise the most important resource in an academic enterprise. In recent years, the number of international instructors at Japanese universities has increased significantly, main engaged in foreign language instruction, but increasingly also in other academic disciplines such as science and technology. The acculturation of international faculty into the organizational ethos of Japanese universities can result in workplace issues arising from structural and intercultural issues which can impact job satisfaction and performance. This study uses nationwide survey data to examine the effect of professional development opportunities on the job satisfaction international faculty in Japanese universities. It finds that there is a significant relationship between professional development opportunities and job satisfaction. However, the availability of research funds and job satisfaction did not have a significant correlation. The results of this study will allow university administrators to better manage their faculty and recommends that they continue to promote mentorship and research support, particularly for new faculty, and contingent or part-time faculty. Such support will build community and foster self-actualization.