Indah Sari Liza Lubis, Donny Setha

Sense of Belonging and Lecturers’ Work Enthusiasm in the Campus Environment Context

Introduction

Sense of belonging and lecturers’ work enthusiasm in the campus environment context. Discover how campus facilities & environment influence lecturers' work enthusiasm, mediated by their sense of belonging. Boost enthusiasm by enhancing facilities, environment & fostering belonging.

Abstract

This study examined the influence of campus facilities and environmental quality on lecturers’ work enthusiasm, with sense of belonging as a mediating variable. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 74 lecturers at Universitas Tjut Nyak Dhien Medan. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Measurement items showed strong validity, with factor loadings between 0.802 and 0.876. Results revealed that campus facilities significantly affect both work enthusiasm (t= 3.187) and sense of belonging (t= 4.211). Environmental quality also exerts a significant effect on sense of belonging (t= 5.025) and work enthusiasm (t= 5.335). Moreover, sense of belonging positively influences work enthusiasm (t= 4.271), confirming its mediating role. The findings extend Resource-Based View, AMO framework, and Social Exchange Theory in the Indonesian higher education context. Practically, they suggest universities should enhance facilities, improve work environments, and foster belonging to strengthen lecturers’ enthusiast.

Review

This study offers a valuable investigation into the determinants of lecturers' work enthusiasm, specifically focusing on the influence of campus facilities and environmental quality, mediated by a sense of belonging. The use of a quantitative cross-sectional survey and Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) on a sample of 74 lecturers provides a robust analytical framework, particularly suitable for the specified sample size. The findings are clear and statistically significant, indicating that both campus facilities and environmental quality directly enhance work enthusiasm and foster a stronger sense of belonging, which, in turn, positively impacts enthusiasm. The reported strong validity of measurement items further bolsters confidence in the study's empirical results. While the study successfully identifies key relationships, there are several points for consideration. The sample size of 74 lecturers from a single institution, Universitas Tjut Nyak Dhien Medan, while yielding significant statistical outcomes, limits the generalizability of these findings to a broader population of lecturers or other higher education contexts. Furthermore, the cross-sectional design, while effective for exploring associations, inherently constrains the ability to definitively establish causality or the temporal sequence of the proposed "influences" and "effects." Although the abstract mentions the extension of Resource-Based View, AMO framework, and Social Exchange Theory, a more detailed explanation of *how* these theoretical contributions are advanced beyond applying them to a new context would strengthen this claim. Overall, this research provides practical and actionable insights for university administrations aiming to improve lecturer engagement and well-being. The clear recommendations to enhance facilities, improve work environments, and cultivate a sense of belonging are highly relevant for fostering a more enthusiastic academic workforce. To further advance this line of inquiry, future studies could benefit from larger, more diverse samples encompassing multiple institutions. Adopting longitudinal designs would also be crucial for substantiating causal claims. Additionally, exploring other potential mediating or moderating variables, or incorporating qualitative approaches, could provide a richer and more nuanced understanding of the complex factors contributing to lecturer work enthusiasm.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.