Job satisfaction of primary school educators in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse different elements of job satisfaction of primary school educators in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District whereby problem areas were expounded and strategies to help to retain experienced and qualified primary schools educators were sought. The population of this study comprised primary school educators in Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North-West Province. A quantitative research design was used in this study to address the research problem and the three research questions that were linked to the literature. The study used the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (short form) and a demographic questionnaire to collect data and 167 educators returned filled questionnaires, (a response rate of 92% ). Data were analysed using SPSS using descriptive statistics, correlations and One- sample test. Findings The following major findings unfolded within the study: The study found that educators' level of job satisfaction was too low. A majority of variables have shown the results to be statistically significantly lower than the test value where test value= 0. These results were obtained from the One- sample test conducted. The study found that among the reasons that contribute towards lack of job satisfaction among primary school educators, workload, promotion, pay, policies and the competence level of educators were the most critical areas in Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Limitations The study is limited to the education sector (public) within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the Nmih-West Province and cam1ot be generalised to any other district or institutions. Recommendations The study gives practical ways of increasing or improving job satisfaction of primary school educators ofNgaka Modiri Molema District to create a new pay model and to use the existing IQMS as an appraisal, developmental and promotional tool. Also the study recommended that educators be given paid study leave where they can improve their qualifications and serve the Department of Education for the period equal to the duration of their study leave.