Perceived relationship between realistic job preview and employee job satisfaction at Kenya police service

Abstract

Realistic job preview has been associated with greater job satisfaction for new employees. Dissatisfaction often occurs when the new employee is surprised to find that the job is not as expected. This study aimed at establishing the perceived relationship between realistic job preview and employee job satisfaction at Kenya Police Service. It targeted all the employees of Kenya Police Service and was c~nducted using a descriptive survey research design. A stratified sampling method was used to select the sample and convenient random sampling method used to select respondents from the twelve departments of Kenya Police Service which comprised the strata. Primary data was collected using a semi- structured questionnaire which was administered to sampled employees of Kenya Police Service. Response from these questionnaires was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics such as means and percentages. Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation was used to establish the relationship between realistic job preview and job satisfaction. The study established that realistic job preview on various job aspects is conducted to varying extents at Kenya Police Service with more emphasis placed on reporting relationships, career progression and remuneration. It further established that employees of Kenya Police Service are moderately satisfied. However they are dissatisfied with their recognition at work, supervisors' guidance and direction, training and expected level of work performance. The study concluded that there is a significant positive relationship between realistic job preview and employee job satisfaction at Kenya Police Service. It is therefore recommended that the coverage and the depth of realistic job preview be improved in order to increase the level of employee's job satisfaction.