School factors influencing teacher job satisfaction in public secondary schools in Limuru sub-county, Kiambu county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the school factors influencing teacher job satisfaction in public secondary schools in Limuru Sub-county,Kiambu county, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent to which staff recognition by Board of Management, sharing of responsibilities with school principal, rewarding of teachers by the Board of Management and teacher participation in staff development programs influence their job satisfaction in public secondary schools in Limuru sub-county, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study used descriptive survey design. The target population for this study comprised of the 22 public secondary schools in Limuru Sub-county. The study targeted 482 teachers, all the 22 principals, 22 deputy principals. Simple random sampling was used to select 144 and purposive sampling was used to select 7 deputy principals and 7 principals. This resulted into a sample size of 158 respondents. The data was collected by use of two sets of questionnaires one for the teachers and another one for the deputy principals which were self-administered by the researcher. Data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as the frequencies and percentages and presentation done in tables, charts and graphs. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis in which the data was categorized thematically in a way that they addressed the objectives of the study. The study found that recognition influences job satisfaction of teachers. This is because recognition by the Board of Management is an important factor on motivation of teaches to perform, since most of them said they feel very happy when their efforts are recognized. The study found that rewards influences job satisfaction of teachers. When a teacher gets a reward with exceptional amusement and excitement, that experience becomes more tremendous for recipient Shared responsibility between teachers and the principals have a positive influence on the job satisfaction of teachers leading to a more satisfied teacher. This is because teachers would like to make job related decisions, they also enjoy autonomy in decision making. Staff development programs have a positive influence on teacher‟s job satisfaction. This is because most teachers are intrinsically motivated when they update their skills and grow professionally. Staff development programs enhance job satisfaction and the eventual self-actualization of the teacher. From the study findings it was concluded that school related factors like recognition, sharing of responsibilities, rewards and participation in staff development influence job satisfaction of teachers in secondary schools in Limuru Sub County, Kiambu Kenya. The study recommends that rewards should be incorporated by the school stakeholder‟s in order to enhance job satisfaction of teachers. The study recommends that the government and the school management should have a strategy of publicly recognizing exemplary teachers for their hard work.