EVALUATING INCENTIVE STRUCTURES FOR EDUCATORS IN RURAL SCHOOLS: A MULTI-ATTRIBUTE UTILITY THEORY (MAUT) APPROACH

Öz

Retaining qualified educators in rural schools is a critical challenge, particularly in Türkiye, where socio-economic barriers hinder teacher retention and satisfaction. This study employs the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) framework to evaluate and prioritize incentive structures designed to address these challenges. Five criteria—Cost of Implementation, Retention Effectiveness, Educator Satisfaction, Scalability, and Long-Term Impact—were identified and weighted based on input from 10 experts, including educators, HR professionals, and policymakers. Four incentive alternatives—Monetary Rewards, Housing Allowances, Professional Development Opportunities, and Recognition Programs—were assessed using a combination of structured surveys and semi-structured interviews. The results reveal that professional development opportunities rank as the most effective incentive, offering sustainable benefits by enhancing skills, satisfaction, and retention. Housing allowances rank second, providing essential financial relief and addressing immediate needs. This study highlights the value of combining professional and financial support to improve rural education systems. It further demonstrates the applicability of the MAUT framework as a systematic and transparent decision-making tool for education policy. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers in Türkiye and similar contexts, emphasizing the need for scalable and cost-effective strategies that align with the unique challenges of rural education. Future research should expand this framework to other regions and sectors while incorporating additional criteria such as student outcomes and community engagement to capture the broader impacts of incentive structures.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Human Resource Management
• Rural Education
• Professional Development
• Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT)
• Türkiye Education Challenges

Kaynakça

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