Date of Award
Summer 2025
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Studies
First Advisor
Elizabeth Currin
Abstract
This mixed-methods action research dissertation explores faculty burnout at a New Jersey community college to propose actionable, faculty-led solutions through a collaborative approach. Grounded in a theoretical framework that integrates theories of action, critical theory, and job demands–resources theory, the study included three phases that followed an explanatory sequential design. In the first phase, quantitative and qualitative data obtained through an anonymous questionnaire provided baseline information about the dimensions of burnout participants experienced. The data informed the second phase, which consisted of semi-structured focus group interviews. In the third phase, an action research team worked together to make recommendations based on the preliminary results and findings from the first two phases.
Overall findings revealed that participants were experiencing many factors that contribute to burnout, including heavy workloads, insufficient resources, and frustrating bureaucracy. At the same time, participants also reported strong connections to their students and peers, which can mitigate burnout. Emphasizing action research principles, the study concludes with recommendations and a proposed implementation plan for addressing issues related to faculty burnout, including sustainable and equitable workloads, improved communication, and institutional support.
Rights
© 2025, Christine Pipitone
Recommended Citation
Pipitone, C.(2025). "We Have Such Fantastic People Working Here": Using Action Research to Address Community College Burnout. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/8503