Faculty Workload and Productivity: Recurrent Issues with New Imperatives

Abstract: The issues of faculty workload and productivity are receiving increased attention from public higher education’s external stakeholders. This paper reviews the literature on this issue from the following perspectives: issues in defining and measuring faculty workload and productivity; the status of research on faculty workload and productivity; legislation, policies, and external activities; and explanations for the “decline” in academic productivity. It concludes with some suggestions for next steps in addressing this issue.