Factors influencing job satisfaction among field education officers in Bungoma County

Abstract

Job satisfaction is a key aspect in human resource management of any organization, be it governmental or non-governmental. The purpose of this research was to assess the factors influencing job satisfaction among field education officers in Bungoma County. The study was guided by the following objectives: To determine the influence of work conditions on job satisfaction, to investigate the extent to which government policies influence job satisfaction and to determine the influence of remuneration among field education officers. It was based on Hertzberg two Factors motivation theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. This study was carried out in Bungoma County. It was limited to factors influencing job satisfaction among field education officers in Bungoma county. Target population were 66 education officers in Bungoma county. A sample of 33 respondents out of 66 participated in the study. Stratification was done to ensure all sections of education office are represented. 1 County Director of Education, 10 Sub-County Directors of Education from each of the 10 sub counties and 1 County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer were purposively drawn into the sample. 32 other education officers from the sub county offices and the county office were randomly selected. Piloting was done in Busia County. A coefficient (r) of 0.786 was found thus the study was reliable. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to generate descriptive statistics for each objective. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed using NVIVO version 12. Findings were presented in form of charts and tables. The study found out that there is a positive relationship between working conditions and job satisfaction among education officers in Bungoma county, with 19(59.4%) of the respondents agreed that the employer had empowered them to do their work. On teamwork among colleagues 30(93.9%), 31(94.4%) of the respondents agreed that there existed good communication within working system. On whether there was good interaction with fellow workers, 21(70.1%) of the respondents agreed that they had good interaction amongst themselves. Respondents didn‟t not participate in policy design and formulation in Bungoma county 25 (78.1%), flexibility in policy was found to be average with 43.9%, the officers did not like the remuneration policy 50.0%. Objectivity/fairness of recruitment policy was found to be okay 43.7%. There was no availability of regular training and capacity building in Bungoma county with 16(50.0%) of the respondents disagreeing to statement. There was opportunity for career growth and advancement amongst field education officers in Bungoma County with 21(65.7%), also officers in the county were not satisfied government policy on terms and conditions of employment. Remuneration was found to be in adequate with 24(75.0%), poor remuneration leads low motivation thus affecting job satisfaction. It was also found that there was inadequacy in monthly pay to cater for the officers needs 24(75.0%). The study concludes that factors like empowerment, teamwork, communication, conducive environment and leadership may appear as irrelevant but in one way affects performance of tasks and by extension deliverance of services by employees. An environment that makes the employee feel insecure, stressed and worried may lead to dissatisfaction and hence poor performance. The study also concludes that government policies play a role in job satisfaction. The way the policies are implemented in the ministry will bring an effect as they are the final management in the ladder. Every employee has to adhere to the policies and regulations of the place, therefore the how friendly they will be to an employee will enable satisfaction in their jobs. Teamwork, empowerment, communication, conducive environment and leadership influences job satisfaction Government policies do affect job satisfaction in education sector. The more friendly and flexible they are the more the employees will derive job satisfaction from them. The study recommends that government prioritize and concentrate more on those factors that will satisfy their employees highly as presented in the study. The factors where emphasis should be based are remuneration structure, leadership style, communication, working tools and conditions.