ERIC Number: EJ1101557
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0161-827X
EISSN: N/A
Moral Behavior of Resident Assistants: A Lived Experience
Stark, Rachael H.; Anderson, Sharon K.
Journal of College and University Student Housing, v42 n2 p10-25 2016
This qualitative study explores the moral behavior in the lived experience of resident assistants who administer disciplinary policy at a large, public, urban institution located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The 12 participants volunteered to be interviewed by the first author utilizing the research question, "What is the lived experience of RAs who administer disciplinary policies at a residential college in a large urban area?" Each participant responded to 10 questions. Analysis of the interviews followed Willig's proposed process. Interview transcripts were read and reread along with notes that reflected the first author's initial thoughts and observations from the interview. Next, themes were identified, and these were then organized into two clusters: the importance of RAs' relationships with residents and the decision-making factors involved when RAs hold residents accountable for policy violations. Although there is an implicit expectation of RAs to exhibit a higher level of moral behavior than typical college students (i.e., administer discipline as needed based on housing policies), a majority of the participants did not uphold this expectation. They did not recognize the moral problem of failing to fulfill their position responsibilities as trained. Only two participants understood that, regardless of the situation they were presented with, it was imperative for them to respond to resident behaviors as they had been trained to do and to hold residents accountable accordingly. Implications for training of RAs are discussed. [See the doctoral dissertation: "Moral Behavior of Resident Assistants: A Lived Experience" at ED560436.]
Descriptors: College Students, Resident Advisers, Higher Education, Interviews, Observation, Measures (Individuals), Moral Development, Values, Moral Values, Urban Areas, Residential Programs, On Campus Students, Campuses, College Housing, Dormitories, Undergraduate Students
Association of College and University Housing Officers - International. 941 Chatham Lane Suite 318, Columbus, OH 43221. Tel: 614-292-0099; Fax: 614-292-3205; e-mail: office@acuho-i.org; Web site: http://www.acuho-i.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Defining Issues Test
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A