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Hyppolite Mouaffo Teumo
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DOI:10.17265/2161-623X/2025.07.001
University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, USA
This qualitative study explores employment-at-will and its perceived implications for employee engagement within Higher Education institutions. The study adopted a phenomenological tradition to capture higher education employees’ perspectives and lived experiences under an employment-at-will policy. Participants were selected using a purposeful and snowball sampling approach. Data was collected from twelve (12) participants, non-tenured faculty, and administrative and support staff at Higher Education institutions in Maryland. It used in-depth semi-structured interviews that allowed participants to share their insights and personal narratives regarding the implications of employment-at-will on their engagement levels and overall job experiences. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts identified key emerging themes and patterns.
The findings indicated that participants perceived employment at-will had significant implications for employee engagement. They reported concerns about their perceived lack of job security and trust, the power imbalance inherent in the employment-at-will framework, and the vulnerability and uncertainty that undermine their willingness to invest their physical, cognitive, and emotional resources into their work roles. The study provides valuable and practical insights for Higher Education leaders and policymakers by highlighting the need to re-evaluate employment practices and policies to foster a more engaged and committed workforce. Recommendations include implementing open communication, providing clear feedback and career development opportunities, transparent performance management systems, and cultivating a more collaborative and supportive organizational culture. By shedding light on employees' lived experiences under at-will policies, this study contributes to the existing literature on employment-at-will in the Higher Education context. The results underscore the importance of addressing the challenges posed by employment-at-will policies to enhance employee engagement, motivation, and ultimately, higher education institutions' overall effectiveness and success.
employment-at-will, employee engagement, Higher Education, phenomenology
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