Our Story: The Phenomenological Study of Adjunct Faculty in Higher Education Business Schools

Abstract

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of adjunct faculty working in business schools across the New England region. The five participants of this study taught at 4-year, non-profit, public, or private institutions. Multiple interviews were conducted using Seidman’s (2013) interview protocol. The responses were transcribed using in vivo and descriptive coding, which led to the emerging themes. The themes that resulted from the data analysis were examined through the theoretical framework, The Impact of Faculty and Institutional Characteristics on the Essential Elements by Gappa et al. (2007). The themes shed light on the symbiotic relationship between adjuncts, deans and administration, and faculty and how respect is important to the adjuncts sense of belonging within the campus ecosystem. The researcher calls for future research to improve onboarding and hiring practices by deans and administration, enhance benefits and professional development opportunities, and redesign the role of adjunct faculty to cultivate a community of inclusivity and belonging regardless of title.