The Motivation behind Moonlighting Practices and its Implications on Faculty Members, Principal Employer, and Primary Employment with reference to Higher Education Institutions of Delhi NCR

Abstract

Moonlighting, the practice of employees working multiple jobs, often in addition to their primary employment, has become a rampant phenomenon in the contemporary workforce. Moonlighting among faculty members in higher education institutions is a multifaceted problem that affects not only the individuals involved but also institutions and the quality of education they provide. This study delves into the motives driving moonlighting practices among faculty members in higher education institutions located in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, additionally, it seeks to unravel the repercussions of moonlighting on the employees, principal employers, and the principal employment itself. Taking a cue from existing literature and empirical studies, this paper aims to showcase the complex nature of moonlighting, its impact on work-life balance, productivity, and job satisfaction, and its potential consequences on educational institutions, additionally, it explores the ethical and legal dimensions of moonlighting and proposes recommendations for employees, employers, and policymakers to manage and address this phenomenon effectively. This study analyses empirical data collected for the purpose by using descriptive and inferential statistics like t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square test to attain its objectives. The study reveals that a significant number of faculty members in NCR Delhi engage in moonlighting primarily due to financial constraints which lead to an increased workload, resulting in burnout and decreased job satisfaction and its effects. The quality of education deteriorates if faculty members are overburdened with external commitments, impacting students' learning experiences. Moonlighting results in reduced productivity and commitment to the primary institution, potentially affecting research output and overall performance. The study reveals the impact of faculty moonlighting is severe in the lesson preparation, syllabus coverage, and evaluation of student progress among higher education institutions of NCR Delhi. The research explores that faculty had been hardly reprimanded by the head of institution for their behaviour and similarly heads of institution rarely take action against them.  The Head of the institution is very little effective in curbing faculty moonlighting and seldom shows discontent with moonlighting activities and faculty rarely moonlight during office.