The influence of motivation strategies on teachers’ job satisfaction in public primary schools in Bungoma East sub county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate some motivation strategies influencing job satisfaction among teachers in public primary schools in Bungoma East Sub County. The objectives of the study were ; to establish how income influence job satisfaction among teachers in public primary schools in Bungoma East sub county, to examine how working conditions influence job satisfaction among teachers in public primary schools in Bungoma East sub county, to determine how promotion influence job satisfaction among teachers in public primary schools in Bungoma East sub county, and to find out how job recognition influence job satisfaction among teachers in public primary schools in Bungoma East sub county. The study used descriptive survey design in which it targeted 24 head-teachers and 278 teachers in Bungoma East Sub County. Purposive sampling was used to select 24 head teachers and simple random sampling was used to select 278 teachers. This resulted into a sample size of 302 respondents. The data was collected by use of two sets of questionnaires one for the head teachers and another one for the teachers which were self-administered by the researcher. The research instruments were pilot tested to test the reliability and validity of the Instruments. Again, the University of Nairobi lecturers helped to enhance the validity of the instruments. 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. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically based on the objectives of the study. The study established that the teachers were not satisfied with the income as according to most of the respondents, income was not a measure of their competence and could not meet their expenses. The other benefits offered such as fringe benefits, pension, medical and transport allowances were also not satisfying. The study established that the respondents were not satisfied with the working conditions such as proper classroom ventilation, school surrounding and provision of teaching learning materials. Further, the study found that the teachers’ promotion prospects equally negatively influenced their job satisfaction. The study also established that the respondents were satisfied with the recognition by the colleagues and the parents. However, they were dissatisfied by the recognition by the employer and the Board of Management (BOM). The study recommends that: the teachers’ income inform of salary and remuneration should be improved, all the teaching staff should be treated with due respect and no one should be undermined or no one should undermine the other as this will affect their self-esteem. The government and schools should have a consistent way of publicly recognizing teachers for their hard work. Nevertheless, there should be a teachers’ scheme of service which will give them an equal chance of promotion. The government, parents and other donors should improve the working conditions of the teachers by constructing spacious staff rooms, classrooms, libraries and ensuring they are well equipped for use