Research Methodology for Staff Motivation and Values-Based Framework within Educational Institutions

This paper, as part of a PhD dissertation, outlines the need and methodology for additional survey-based research to better understand the real and practical aspects of what motivates university employees and the underlying values of these employees that affect their performance. It explores how the alignment of these values align with the values of the institution are also relevant in the way the performance of the employees enhances the performance of the institution. The methodology and survey reflect trends in higher education, such as: the inclusion of Undergraduate Medical Schools; societal changes stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic that affect employee motivation and values due to the re-prioritization of health concerns, remote work options and work life integration/balance; inclusive workplace issues; and especially within the education sphere - whether the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has influenced staff motivation and values. The survey contains motivation and values sections and was completed by Georgian American University (GAU) staff and lecturers. Although not included in this paper, AI will be used to "analyze" the survey results and "create" a relevant (and usable) menu of performance incentives to match each employee or set of employees that will then also enhance the values and performance of the institution.