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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Ed Organization and Leadership

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2020

Author dc:creator

• Dodge, Lauren Bordson

Contributors dc:contributor

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

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

Statement dc:rights

• © 2020 Lauren E. B. Dodge

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

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

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/108692