Job satisfaction among senior and junior staff of Balme Library, University of Ghana

Abstract

Job Satisfaction, no matter the parameters that one may use in describing it, has been found to be an important contributory factor in productivity. The perception that workers have about their jobs may have an influence on their attitude and commitment towards the job. This study focused on job satisfaction among the junior and senior staff of the Balme Library, University of Ghana, Legon. It aimed at determining the factors affecting job satisfaction, the extent or level of job satisfaction as well as its effect on the performance of staff. The study was based on Herzberg’s two-factor theory, Locke’s discrepancy theory, Adam’s equity theory, and Salancik and Pfeffer’ssocial influence theory of Job Satisfaction. The study covered 80 participants but 70, comprising 32 junior staff and 38 senior staff responded to the questionnaires representing 87.4%. The researcher used all the 80 participants as the sample since the number is not too large. A questionnaire was adopted from Herzberg’s Two Factor theory of job satisfaction and was distributed to the 80 participants by the researcher by hand on several visits. The data was analysed using SPSS software and the results were summarised and presented using cross-tabulations as indicated in chapter four. The study revealed that the majority of staff were dissatisfied with their pay but the interpersonal relationship among staff and between staff and their superiors were found to be high. The results also showed that though quite a number of the respondents have spent considerable number of years working with the Balme Library, the majority of them were not involved in decision - making at the Library. Also, majority of the staff confirmed the availability of the necessary equipment for work, but were quick to add that the equipment were outmoded. Generally, the majority of the staff were also dissatisfied with their work because the working conditions were not good and the working environment was uncomfortable. These made work boring and difficult for staff; thereby affecting the performance of both the junior and the senior staff. It was however revealed through an interview with the Senior Administrative Assistant that turnover rate was low. The study therefore recommends that the management of Balme Library should improve working conditions and environment of the staff (both senior and junior) to appreciable levels to enhance the intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction of staff on the job.