Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2000

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Education

Major Professor

Mary Jane Connelly

Committee Members

Lloyd Davis, Thomas W. George, Richard Metzger

Abstract

The perception of job satisfaction among teachers in selected member schools in the Southeast Region of the Association of Christian Schools International was studied to determine if any differences existed in job satisfaction based on selected personal, educational and professional descriptors as reported by the teachers. Full-time teachers in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade at 82 randomly selected schools were surveyed. The survey used was the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, Long Form, 1967 edition, as well as descriptive questions. Differences in responses based on the descriptors were analyzed utilizing the chi-square test and analysis of variance. In general the teachers' responses indicated that they were satisfied with intrinsic, extrinsic and general satisfaction aspects of their jobs; however, teachers were not satisfied with compensation and lower levels of satisfaction were noted for advancement and company policies and practices.

There were statistically significant differences noted with regard to social status based on age. Statistically significant differences based on gender were noted with regard to authority, independence, responsibility, advancement, compensation, recognition, and supervision-human relations. Statistically significant differences based on teaching level were noted with regard to creativity, independence, and supervision-human relations. Statistically significant differences based on marital status were noted with regard to social status, recognition, supervision-human relations, and supervision-technical. Statistically significant differences based on salary were noted with regard to authority, creativity, responsibility, security, social status, advancement, and compensation. There were no statistically significant differences based on highest degree earned or years of experience. There was a statistically significant difference in the extrinsic grand means for the gender, salary, and experience variables.

In general, the teachers surveyed expressed high levels of satisfaction with their jobs. Their three main areas of concern were compensation, advancement and company policies and practices, with compensation being the area of greatest concern. The concerns were not severe enough to warrant seeking other employment opportunities, however. Compensation policies should be analyzed to determine where inequalities exist and to determine ways whereby compensation options may be increased. Procedures for determining advancement should be structured to allow more opportunities or to demonstrate equality of advancement opportunity. Teacher involvement in policy decision-making should be encouraged.

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