A Comparison of Levels of Satisfaction Regarding Human Resource Development among Employees of North Arkansas Community/Technical College.

In July 1993, Twin Lakes Technical College and North Arkansas Community College merged to form the North and South Campuses, respectively, of North Arkansas Community-Technical College (NACTC). A study was undertaken to compare the institutional climate for human resource development (HRD) at the two campuses to determine the effects, if any, of the centralization of resources on the climate. Research on HRD climates in college mergers was examined and questionnaires were mailed to all full-time employees of the two campuses. Responses were received from 65.6% (n=21) of North Campus employees and 64.6% (n=66) of South Campus employees. An analysis of responses indicated the following: (1) staff satisfaction with the HRD climate were slightly higher at the South Campus that at the North Campus; (2) at both campuses, faculty showed the lowest level of satisfaction with their HRD climate; (3) the rate of satisfaction for North Campus classified staff was lower than any other college employee sub-group; and (4) no significant difference, however, was found between the HRD climate at the two campuses, which appears to indicate that increased organization size is not a major influence in personnel practices. (Contains recommendations for HRD policy and 23 references). (The HRD Climate Survey and a cover letter are appended.) (KP)