Working Time and Personal Strain

Abstract

This chapter aims to clarify changes in the time worked by faculty and the impact of the changes on their psychological attitudes. When classes are in session, the main work of faculty is teaching and research activity. When classes are not in session, the main work of faculty is concentrated on research activity only. This has not changed during the 15 years from 1992 to 2007. The total number of working hours has not changed significantly during the 15 year period. However, the distribution of working hours among academic activities has changed. Especially, the working hours spent on research have decreased significantly. On the other hand, the time spent on administration has increased significantly. Personal strain on Japanese faculty has declined during the 15 years. Even so, in 2007, levels of personal strain reported by Japanese faculty were higher than those in other countries. Factors contributing to personal strain were service work and administration activity during the periods when classes were not in session. However overall service activity remained only at the same level as in 1992. Administration activity during the periods when classes were not in session has become an increased factor in personal strain during the 15 years.