The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 44, No. 2 - 29
THE SOURCES OF WORK MOTIVATION FOR RESIDENT
ASSISTANTS have received little attention in the literature
over the last decade. As the role grows more complex and
more expectations are added to the RA position, determining
what current factors motivate students to apply for the
RA position is essential. This study presents quantitative
research to determine the sources of RA work motivation;
the study, which included 231 respondents from 46 different
institutions in the Mid-Atlantic region, found that helping
behavior was the most prominent factor for seeking the
RA position. The desire to meet financial obligations and
RA cohesiveness were also factors of prominence. There
were no significant differences in motivational factors
when comparing work environment characteristics (type of
residential community, semesters in the RA position, class
standing of population RA was serving, number of students
the RA served on the floor/wing, and type of institution) or
demographic characteristics (gender and race/ethnicity). In
addition, there were no work environment or demographic
characteristics that could predict high levels of motivation
for current RAs. This finding can help housing professionals
focus more clearly on developing a specific overall
institutional recruitment strategy, as the research does not
support using either supplemental recruitment strategies
based on gender and race/ethnicity or specific work
environment characteristics. Further, housing professionals
can concentrate on recruitment strategies that emphasize
RA helping behaviors and RA cohesiveness, in addition to
financial compensation, as these factors were shown to be
critical to the motivation of RAs.
As more and more
challenges and
responsibilities are
added to the RA
role, determining
what factors
motivate students
to desire the
position becomes
even more
essential .
INTRODUCTION
Resident assistants (RAs) have played a critical role in the management of residence halls since the 1960s (Upcraft & Pilato, 1982).
Bailey and Granpre (1997) indicated the importance of the RA position, noting, "for decades, the resident assistant position has been
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The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 44, No. 2
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 44, No. 2
Contents
The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 44, No. 2 - Intro
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