Achieving consensus using a modified Delphi Technique embedded in Lewin's change management model designed to improve faculty satisfaction in a pharmacy school.

Abstract

Faculty job satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) is reported in the literature, and many surveys designed to measure satisfaction exist in higher education fields. However, measuring satisfaction does not inherently change satisfaction. Change must be agreed upon by faculty and administration if it is to be successful. The aim of this study is to describe a qualitative, iterative approach to drive consensus, promote change, and address pharmacy faculty job satisfaction using a modified Delphi Technique embedded in Lewin's Change Management Model, and to identify the top three faculty priorities to improve their job satisfaction as an exemplar of the approach. Using the modified Delphi Technique embedded in Lewin's Change Management Model, faculty in a private pharmacy school were anonymously asked to respond to questions about priorities that would most improve their job satisfaction. Answers were divided into themes, and themes and responses were sent back to faculty to anonymously rank in order of importance. Two priorities for the College were established. However, a tie breaker necessitated a third round (modified from traditional Delphi) where faculty discussed and voted on the third priority. Survey response rates were 78% and 82.9% for Round One and Round Two. Round One responses (91) were divided into 13 themes for faculty to rank for Round Two. Round Three established the third faculty priority. Priorities for job satisfaction included workload evaluation, recruitment, and faculty development. The Delphi Technique embedded into Lewin's Model of Change Management successfully guided administration toward new priorities at the College level directed at improving faculty job satisfaction.