Fundraiser turnover in higher education advancement: should I stay or should I go?

Dodge, Lauren Bordson

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/108692 Copy

Description

Title

Fundraiser turnover in higher education advancement: should I stay or should I go?

Author(s)

Dodge, Lauren Bordson

Issue Date

2020-07-13

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Delaney, Jennifer A

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Delaney, Jennifer A

Committee Member(s)

• Hood, Denice Ward
• Trent, William T
• Justice, Patricia A

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Ed Organization and Leadership

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Higher education advancement
• Higher education fundraising
• Turnover
• Herzberg’s Two-Factor Motivation-Hygiene theory

Abstract

This study seeks to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon of turnover in the higher education advancement field. To understand this phenomenon, the study investigated the attitudes and factors contributing to turnover through in-depth interviews of front-line fundraisers at two institutions of higher education: one public and one private. A qualitative, multi-site research design was employed in the study. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Motivation-Hygiene theory was employed as the theoretical framework for the study. Overall, the findings validated Herzberg’s theory with factors that had emerged from the research corresponding to Herzberg’s factors in a majority. Four additional factors emerged which extend this theory in this landscape: job expectations, gender, structure, and metrics as an evaluation tool. New factors also emerged that extend the findings of several prior studies, adding processes, policies, resources, and training to the higher education advancement literature. No key differences or factors were found between experiences at the public institution versus the private institution. Three key themes emerged from the data that encompassed factors that were contributors to turnover in various arrangements: fundraisers need to feel valued, fundraisers are interested in career growth, and fundraisers are affected by institutional function.

Graduation Semester

2020-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108692

Copyright and License Information

© 2020 Lauren E. B. Dodge

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