A comparison of working conditions and job .. Satisfaction levels of workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZ) and other industries in Nairobi?

Abstract

This study investigated the differences between working conditions and job satisfaction of workers in EPZ and other Industries in Nairobi. A sample of 840 workers consisting of 507 from EPZ and 333 from the industry was considered. The two groups were treated as different samples from the same population. From the several variables considered for determining level of satisfaction, a satisfaction index was computed for workers in EPZ and other industries. There was no significant difference in satisfaction levels between the two industrial set ups with EPZ averaging 39.4% and other industries averaging 40.6%. These figures reflected generally low satisfaction levels since they were less than 50% . . (above 50% meant job satisfaction) .. Considering other factors that were work condition related, a work condition index was computed and the means were 58.56% for industry, and 60.84% for EPZ. The workers in both areas are generally in good work conditions, but those in poor work conditions were not satisfied with their jobs. The study revealed that despite the differences in location, job satisfaction in the Industry and EPZ are much influenced by work conditions and education level. The location, (whether EPZ or industries) does not contribute to job satisfaction. Age and gender also have no effect on a workers job satisfaction in the industries. - A logistic regression model was used and it showed that, workers with higher education were more satisfied with their jobs compared to those of lower education levels. Workers with primary level education were the least satisfied