The relationship between teachers’ participation in decision-making and their job satisfaction in public secondary schools in gem sub-county, Siaya county, Kenya

Abstract

This research reports findings on teachers‟ participation in decision-making and their job satisfaction in public secondary schools in Gem Sub-county, Siaya County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to establish the effect of teachers‟ participation in decision-making on their job satisfaction in secondary schools in Gem sub-county. A descriptive correlation survey design was adopted in this study and primary data was collected by use of questionnaires. The responses of 199 teachers out of a sample of 217 teachers revealed that there is a positive relationship between teachers‟ participation in decision-making and their job satisfaction. Another key finding is that teachers are generally satisfied with their job, although they feel dissatisfied with certain aspects of their work such as the working conditions, their pay, the manner in which policy is formulated, the opportunities for career growth and advancement and the general lack of variety in the work. The study also found that the population of males was significantly higher than that of females. This study then recommends that the government through the Teachers‟ Service Commission and other stakeholders put in place proactive recruitment policies and procedures that will enhance and emphasize on equal employment opportunities in line with constitutional requirements. The stakeholders should also endeavor to formulate policies that enhance teacher participation and involvement in decision-making as this will help create a motivated and satisfied workforce in our schools. Further empirical studies can also be done on the influence of teachers‟ participation in decision making on their performance in secondary schools. However, future researchers can replicate this study in private schools since its findings were limited to public schools.