The Incentive Structure of a University

Abstract

This paper develops a method for measuring the “incentive structure” of a college or university. A trial instrument was constructed and administered to the faculty of a private university in order to determine: (1) the relative importance of possible incentives to faculty, and (2) the perceived relationship between specific teaching and research behaviors and the probability of receiving various incentives. The results indicate that for this institution research-related behaviors are perceived to have greater influence on the reception of key incentives than do teaching-related behaviors. Although the results cannot be generalized empirically because of the single-institution sample, a critical evaluation of the methodology may prove useful to other universities planning similar self-studies.