Quality of Work Life (QWL) among the Faculty Members of Private Universities in Bangladesh: A Gender Perspective

Abstract

About four decades have passed since the phrase “Quality of Work Life (QWL)” was first introduced. But in Bangladesh it is still a new concept to emerge. No initiative was taken to identify QWL in the private universities of Bangladesh, especially in terms of gender differences. Thus the study aims to make a comparative learning of the existing QWL between the males and female faculty members of the private universities through quantitative survey on 36 male and 36 female faculty members. The survey is conducted based on a structured questionnaire designed with 5-point Liker-scale. The sample includes 11 private universities. Several statistical tolls were applied for data analyses, i.e. factor analysis, correlation analysis, independent sample t-test, regression analysis, etc. The study reveals that a significant difference exists between male and female employees overall perception regarding QWL and particularly in one dimension of QWL relating to adequate and fair compensation. No statistically significant disparity is found in terms of the other dimensions, i.e. safe and healthy working conditions, immediate opportunity to use and develop human capacities, opportunity for continued growth and security, social integration in the work organization, constitutionalism in the work organization, work and total life space, and social relevance of work life. It is also explored that a higher QWL can lead to an increased job satisfaction among the faculty members.