Determinants of MBA Advisor Job Satisfaction: An Exploratory Study

At most institutions accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a single advisor works with students enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. This advisor provides advice on course loads as well as careers. As this advisor may make a lasting impression on students, his or her job satisfaction is critical. This exploratory study focused on four classes of determinants of advisor satisfaction. Data were obtained through a survey mailed to all AACSB-accredited schools. A regression analysis revealed that job- and advisor-descriptive variables explained most of the variation in satisfaction. Critical determinants included role clarity, work status, student orientation, and expertise in both technical and creative areas of advisement. This study suggests that full-time employment and clarification of job tasks may enhance advisor job satisfaction.