Characterizing the involvement of teachers-managers with work in the university context was the objective of this study. It was a qualitative research with descriptive and exploratory approach. The procedure involved in the technique of interviews was a recurrence. The participants, teachers-managers of universities of Santa Catarina, Brazil, highlight that their work represents an opportunity for personal fulfillment and the pursuit of his/her potential and his/her talent. There is value, meaning and importance for themselves and for society associated with it. In general, teachers-managers do not feel sufficiently prepared for the activities of managing the course. The relations of power, hierarchy, the formalism, centralization of authority, the control schemes, and the few or no opportunities for assessment and feedback of performance are some aspects that hinder opportunities for greater involvement.
bonding process at work; involvement with work; university management