A recent survey conducted by the College of Management (CM) on the research productivity its faculty members were experiencing shows that (full) professors had a higher degree of dissatisfaction than that of associate and assistant professors as well as lecturers. 83% of professors ticked the lower end of the satisfaction scale, while 50% of associate professors, 66% of assistant professors, and 66% of lecturers did so. Chen Dun-ji, the Dean of the college, believes that this reflects the high standard many professors set for themselves, even though they are the ones who usually face a minimum external pressure in the need of conducting research.

This survey, with a returned rate of 71%, was started in the beginning of the previous semester in September when over 100 questionnaires were sent out to ask all faculty members in the CM to assess their research results. Analyses were completed at the end of the semester. Their results, Chen asserts, has provided insight to the difficulties these people have been dealing with in terms of research, which is an important part of their academic life. Such information should help the college render appropriate support to its faculty and thus enhance research quality.

Analysis on the pressure of doing research indicates 35% of overall faculty felt pressurized, and among these people, assistant professors reported the highest pressure (51%), with full professors the lowest (24%). In terms of disciplines, faculty members in Business Administration (BA) and Accounting suffered most pressure (85% and 59% respectively). Chen Dun-ji believes that the overall figures are still within a reasonable range, and the high figures shown by BA and Accounting faculty only reflect the nature of their disciplines, which are more practical oriented.

Analysis on the item of problems encountered in publication, 41% of the faculty members experienced some kind of difficulties, with half of them stating not having enough time as the main reason, followed by heavy teaching load (34%). Other reasons include inadequate English ability (23%) and inexperience in the process of submitting papers (16).

Chen Dun-ji explains that CM may not be able to do much regarding time pressure and teaching load, but has instead proposed monetary rewards (NT$ 30,000) to faculty members who publish for the first time in the name of the university in a periodical of international standard. Furthermore, full time faculty members are expected to produce at least two conference papers or a journal article (with independent review system) per year.

Chen also adds that CM has a research team consisting of 30 strong experienced researchers to help less experienced ones in the writing of papers and submission. As for English, professional translators are available when necessary. However, in the long run, Chen emphasizes, researchers should find effective ways to enhance their English writing ability. ( ~Ying-hsueh Hu )