The relationship between teachers‘ participation in decisionmaking and their job satisfaction in government secondary schools ofjimma zone, oromia regional state

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between teacher participation in decision making and their job satisfaction in government secondary schools of Jimma Zone, Oromia Regional State. To conduct this study, correlational design and a quantitative research method was employed. A total of 150 respondents (120 teachers, 10 principals and 10 PTSA heads and10 KETB heads) were included into the study. Teacher respondents were selected by using Yamane (1967) formula sampling technique while principals, PTSA and KETB heads were selected by census sampling technique because their number was manageable. The data were collected through questionnaires, semi structured interview and document review. Data gathered through questionnaires were analyzed by using, chisquare, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson product correlation coefficient and average mean. Data obtained through interview and document review were qualitatively analyzed by narration. The study revealed that the extent of teachers’ participation in decision-making was no significant difference between school principal and teachers in participation on different areas of decision making. Findings regarding job satisfaction indicated that teachers were, generally, satisfied with various aspects of their job. The overall mean score for job satisfaction was indicating that the teachers were moderately satisfied with their job. Regarding their relationship, Pearson product correlation coefficient results revealed that a significant and positive relationship between teachers’ participation in decision making and their job satisfaction (N=119, r=.667**, p<0.01 level of significance). From this result one can understand that teachers’ participation in decision-making has moderately correlation with job satisfaction. The findings indicate that the level of job satisfaction for Teachers at the Jimma Zone Secondary schools increases proportionately with an increase in their level of participation in decision-making. It was, thus, concluded that teachers’ level of participation in decision-making was moderate. There is a significant positive correlation between participation in decision-making and teachers’ job satisfaction. Based on the conclusion, consequently, it was recommended that the participation of teachers in decision-making process is crucial for the betterment of the teacher satisfaction and school performance. Hence, the school management body devises strategies by which teachers can participate more in the decision-making process as well as Provide meaningful encouragement and economic incentives to teachers. Future researchers advised also replicate the same study in private secondary schools. Because the findings of this study were limited to government secondary schools.