EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS ON PRODUCTIVITY AND SATISFACTION OF COMPUTER GRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

- The research environment plays a major role in students’ satisfaction and productivity. So far, many studies have tried to identify factors that affect student satisfaction and productivity, but they have not addressed the most important environmental factors. In this paper, we explored different environmental factors of computer students at one of the Shiraz University labs. For this purpose, we used mixed methods of multiple stage research design. At first 14 students were interviewed in various computer majors. As a result, the most important environmental factors were the ability to communicate with supervisors and other students, noises, social norms and signals, cleanliness, view, and light. A survey was designed based on interviews and previous work factors with alpha Cronbach 85%. Then, the survey was sent to 175 students and received 73 responses. Survey’s data analyzed at two levels of descriptive statistics and statistical models. Statistical models were built for satisfaction with the work environment and perceived productivity. In the satisfaction model, a specific place in the lab and the ability to communicate with the supervisor were important factors among others. In productivity models light, communicating with supervisor, overall satisfaction, and social norms were important factors.

Keywords

• productivity satisfaction physical environments graduate students research environments