Building Solidarity Scale for Academic Institutions

Solidarity is a construct that is worthy to measure and uphold by each mentor. Its helpfulness in the workplace is indispensable as educators have to dispense responsibilities with love and concern for others. The psychological construct refers to the value of agreeing, uniting, and harmonizing with others and yield attainment of actualized state of being. The study employed mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative data analysis in the construction and validation of solidarity scale particularly embedded design. The qualitative data were taken from seven (7) selected department heads, where transcripts underwent transcriptions, coding and thematic analysis. The quantitative data came from a survey of pooled items referring to solidarity and with the integration of the themes confirming the facets affectual, associational and functional from 279 adult participants who are academicians where items were subjected to factor analysis. Qualitative data revolved around the themes: shared decision making, clarity of direction, openness to change, and timeliness. From the quantitative data, distinct facets of solidarity as affectual – 15 items, associational – 12 items and functional – 9 items were confirmed. Findings strengthen the claim that solidarity arise from individual’s mindfulness, relational-cultural values that must function in the workplace as well as visioning  intergenerational solidarity. The study implies that solidarity as a value must be assessed and reflected in the academic workforce who should express mutual concern, appreciation and mindfully acting on cohesive endeavors in programs and undertakings. Further implications for human resource development are forwarded.