Undergraduate students’ perceptions of factors affecting job satisfaction

Abstract

Orientation: Globally, people engage in work and sell their services to an organisation in exchange for compensation. This compensation can have a significant effect on employees’ attitude towards their work, resulting in either job satisfaction or job dissatisfaction. A high level of job satisfaction can increase organisational effectiveness and, subsequently, the organisation’s performance, whereas job dissatisfaction can cause employees to be less motivated, which can in turn decrease their productivity, effectiveness and individual performance.

Research purpose: This study was conducted with the aim to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of the factors affecting job satisfaction.

Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a paucity of published research on the views of undergraduate students on the factors affecting job satisfaction.

Research approach/design and method: The study took a positivistic research approach, and a quantitative design was used. A stratified quota sampling technique was employed to select the respondents for the study; a certain quota was met in terms of race, gender and faculty of study. In total, 270 undergraduate students participated in the study.

Main findings: The empirical results indicated no significant association between the demographic variables (previous work experience, gender, race and field of study) and almost all occupational dimensions of job satisfaction, working conditions and recognition. However, medium to large positive relations were measured between the dimensions of job satisfaction, working conditions and recognition. It was evident from the study that all the dimensions measured are considered important for obtaining job satisfaction in the workplace.

Practical and managerial implications: It is important for managers to get an understanding of the views of young people on work-related issues in order to create an understanding of young people’s needs and aspirations, as they are the future permanent labour force, managers and leaders of a country.

Contribution/value-add: The study brought to light the views of undergraduate students on the factors affecting job satisfaction