EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF PERCEIVED PAY EQUITY ON SILENT QUITTING BEHAVIOR IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AND WORK ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

In the post-pandemic academic setting, Silent quitting has emerged as a major organizational issue of anxiety where there is an intentional reduction in discretionary effort and psychological detachment. In institutions of higher learning, this phenomenon is even more relevant as the role of faculty involves high levels of intellectual engagement, enormous commitment and a lot of creativity. One of the main reasons for this behavior is the perception of pay inequity which can negatively affect motivation, engagement, and performance.

This study investigates the influence of perceived pay equity on Silent quitting behaviour among faculty members, while also examining the mediating roles of work engagement and organizational commitment. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 250 faculty members from selected higher education institutions in Telangana, India. The collected data were analysed using SPSS through reliability testing, correlation analysis, multiple regression, and mediation analysis using Hayes' PROCESS Macro.

The results indicate that employees who perceive their compensation as fair are less likely to engage in Silent quitting behaviours. The findings further reveal that work engagement significantly mediates the relationship between perceived pay equity and Silent quitting. Although perceived pay equity positively influences organizational commitment, organizational commitment does not significantly mediate this relationship. These findings highlight work engagement as an important mechanism through which perceptions of pay fairness shape employee behaviour.

The study contributes to the literature on educational leadership and human resource management by providing empirical evidence on factors influencing faculty disengagement. It also offers practical insights for higher education institutions seeking to enhance employee motivation, strengthen engagement, and reduce the prevalence of Silent quitting among academic staff.