"The aim of the book is to explain how to determine the average level of workers' job satisfaction as a basis for decision and policy making in organisations including the relevant government departments."
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Job Satisfaction in Higher Education by Titus Oshagbemi Trafford Publishing
book review by Carol Anderson, D.Min., ACSW, LMSW
This text focuses on the job satisfaction of academics in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). The author has conducted other research studies related to higher education as evidenced by other book and journal articles. He compiles significant historical research in this study of 566 professionals in higher education, as he examines job satisfaction with a sample of universities in the UK. The text takes us through the concept of overall job satisfaction; research parameters; measures and evaluation of methods; content analysis of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction; profiles of university teachers and managers; age, rank, length of service, and gender, and related job satisfaction; and other studies and conclusions regarding this study. A copy of the questionnaire is also included. The primary examination is on 8 scales related to job satisfaction: teaching, research, administration/management, present pay, promotion, co-workers, supervision, and working conditions/physical facilities and is rated on a scale of 1 - 7, with 1 being extremely dissatisfied, and 7 being extremely satisfied. The results given throughout the book provide a variety of information as well as recommendations to improve outcomes.
While this book will probably be of interest to a small, select segment of readers, it is none-the-less an interesting, well-documented study regarding higher education. The work is concise, appears statistically and methodologically sound, and is well-written and easy-to-understand. The general information about job satisfaction is a timely topic and not just for those who work in higher education. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence our satisfaction with work and some of this data can be utilized in examining other careers. Specific data regarding the levels of job satisfaction in university settings is insightful as are recommendations for positive changes in areas of dissatisfaction. The literature review is also very helpful in examining other studies. Finally, besides the excellent work of this specific study, this book could be a valuable resource for courses of study on research with it's easy-to-follow study design.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review