Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Availability

Open Access Thesis

Abstract

This study explored student perceptions of organizational communication policies and their impact on student employee productivity at a mid-sized Midwestern university. In-depth interviews with student employees revealed key themes—fairness, uniformity, openness, and communication—as essential elements of transparency. Additionally, academic work-life balance and scheduling flexibility emerged as critical factors in supporting productivity. The findings show that student employees view transparency and flexibility as central to both job satisfaction and productivity. Policies that promote equitable treatment and adaptable scheduling were especially influential. While organizational vision, mission, and values were recognized, they were not seen as major drivers of productivity. Similarly, rewards and recognition were appreciated but considered less important due to the short-term nature of student employment. The study highlights the need for universities to increase policy awareness, ensure consistent implementation across departments, and strengthen work-life balance initiatives. These insights offer practical guidance for higher education institutions seeking to improve employment policies and cultivate more inclusive, transparent, and supportive work environments for student employees.

Year of Submission

2025

Degree Name

Master of Arts

First Advisor

Kyle Rudick

Date Original

5-2025

Object Description

1 PDF (v, 47 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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