The Relationship between Teachers’ Participation In Decision Making and Job Satisfaction in Some Selected governmental Secondary Schools of Jimma Zone

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Teacher Participation in Decision Making and their Job Satisfaction in Governmental secondary Schools of Jimma Zone. To conduct the study, correlational design was employed. Both quantitative and qualitative method was employed to collect extensive data. A total of 160 respondents (120 teachers, 12 principals, 10 vice principals, 6 supervisors, and 12 PTA) were included into the study. Teachers respondent were selected by using Kothari (2004), of systematic sampling technique while 12 principals, 10 vice principal, 6 supervisor, 12 PTA were selected by purposive sampling technique due to their manageability of school and available knowledge concerning to their teachers. The data were collected through questionnaires, semi structured interview and document analysis. Data gathered through questionnaires were analyzed by using, mean, standard deviation, Pearson product correlation coefficient and average mean. Data obtained through interview and document review were analyzed qualitatively by describing the respondents’ ideas. The study revealed that the extent of teachers participation in decision-making had average mean scores was medium, indicating that, the respondents participated in decision-making in their respective schools were not enough as it was required. Findings regarding job satisfaction indicated that the overall mean score for job satisfaction was also medium which indicating that the teachers were moderately satisfied with their job. Regarding their relationship, Pearson product correlation coefficient results revealed that, there were a significant and positive relationship between teachers’ participation in decision making and their job satisfaction (N=120, r=.530**, p<0.01 level of significance). From the result, it was concluded that, one can understand that teachers’ participation in decision-making has strong correlation with job satisfaction. Consequently, it was also some of the major recommendations forwarded in order to actively participating teachers’ in decision-making in their schools to develop the sense of transparency in between teachers and school leaders, encourage, motivate and utilize their wide range of experience and personal characteristics, and capability.