dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that influence the work
satisfaction of inspectors of education in the Northern Cape. This aim is
achieved by firstly conducting a literature study on the nature of work
satisfaction and factors responsible for inspector work satisfaction and/or
work dissatisfaction. Secondly an empirical investigation is conducted on the
perceptions of inspectors about factors influencing their work satisfaction.
Finally, recommendations are made through which inspectors of education
can achieve optimal work satisfaction for themselves.
Findings from the literature study indicate that work context and work contents
factors influence inspector work satisfaction. Work context factors mainly
concern supervision and working conditions. Working conditions include
aspects such as physical working conditions, leadership, interpersonal
relationships, policy, participation in decision-making, salary, work safety,
work security and the organizational climate. Work context factors relate to
inspectors' needs for psychological growth and self-fulfilment viz., the needs
for responsibility, recognition, promotion, the work itself and professional
development.
Findings from the empirical investigation indicate that the respondents are
less satisfied in their jobs than is generally reported. Inspectors regard the
satisfaction of work context factors as very important and are partly
contended that these needs are satisfied. However there are numerous work
context factors from which they derive relatively little work satisfaction, inter
alia, working conditions with regard to some supervisory activities,
participation in decision-making and strategic planning in the department of
education, work security and work safety. The factors within the work
context are experienced as mostly satisfying.
The recommendations of this study emphasise the necessity of an effective
line of communication between the Education Department and the regional
office, and the Education Department should launch a penetrating
investigation into the filling of vacancies at the level of inspectors. With the
aim on participatory management as many as possible role-players should be
involved at provincial level. With the aim of professional development of both
newly appointed inspectors of education and more experienced inspectors of
education a professional inclusion program must be developed regarding
better role and task fulfilment. | en_US |