[ PAPER ID: 42796 ] ECONOMIC PRESSURES AND UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INFLATION’S PERCEIVED EFFECTS ON FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF AT MSU–MARAWI

ARTICLE INFO: Date of Submission: Jan 16, 2026, Revised: Jan 28, 2026, Accepted: Jan 31, 2026, CrossRef D.O.I : https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i1.2026.228-233, HOW TO CITE: Hosnie M. Gogo (2026). Economic Pressures and University Personnel: A Comparative Study of Inflation’s Perceived Effects on Faculty and Administrative Staff at MSU–Marawi. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(1), 228- 233.

Abstract

This study examined the perceived effects of inflation on faculty members and administrative staff in selected colleges of Mindanao State University–Marawi City, adopting a comparative approach. Inflation, characterized by a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services, has been a persistent economic challenge affecting individuals’ financial stability and socio-cultural well-being. The study aimed to determine how employees perceive the economic and socio-cultural impacts of inflation and to identify the coping strategies they employ to manage its effects. A total of 100 respondents, comprising faculty members and administrative staff from the Colleges of Public Administration (CPA), Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), Agriculture (COA), Education (COE), and Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH), participated in the study through a structured survey questionnaire. Respondents’ socio-economic profiles—including age, income, employment status, length of service, and educational attainment—were also considered as factors influencing their perceptions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods to identify differences between faculty and administrative staff in terms of perceived effects and coping strategies. Findings revealed that inflation significantly impacts employees’ economic well-being, particularly in terms of reduced purchasing power, increased household expenses, and challenges in savings and financial planning. Socio-cultural effects were also evident, with respondents reporting adjustments in lifestyle, social interactions, and family responsibilities. Faculty members and administrative staff employed various coping strategies, such as budgeting, prioritizing essential expenses, seeking additional income, and relying on institutional or social support, to mitigate the adverse effects of inflation. Differences were observed between the two groups, with administrative staff reporting higher levels of perceived economic stress, while faculty members demonstrated more diversified coping mechanisms. The study concludes that inflation exerts multifaceted effects on employees’ financial and socio-cultural well-being, highlighting the need for institutional interventions and welfare programs that support employee stability and resilience. The findings provide valuable insights for university administrators and policymakers in designing strategies to alleviate the impact of inflation on public sector employees in higher education.