Academic Reward Structures and Occupational Therapy Faculty Part II: Predictors of Rewards and Scholarly Productivity

Abstract

This article, the second in a two-part study of academic rewards for occupational therapy (OT) faculty, identifies statistical predictors of rewards and scholarly productivity. Multiple regression analyses revealed that, in contrast with traditional academe, publications do not predict salaries for OT faculty. Variables such as advanced degree, professional awards, and outstanding teaching offer far greater rewards than is typical in higher education. However, being an administrator and being male are rewarded monetarily, as is true in higher education overall. Research publication is a significant predictor of tenure, providing an explanatory link between the low research productivity and limited tenure rates among OT faculty. Those who publish research tend to be in research universities, hold higher academic degrees, and have prominent visibility in the profession. The generally low publication rates of OT faculty may make them increasingly vulnerable if university administrators continue to stress scholarly productivity in the evaluation of faculty.