Job satisfaction amongst employees in the Department of Education in eThekwini region, South Africa

Abstract

The case study was conducted in the Department of Education, Umlazi and Pinetown district in the eThekwini region. The study was confined to managers of Umlazi and Pinetown employees, out-of-service employees and office-based employees and explores how job satisfaction influences employee turnover in the department. The researcher examines how the working environment of the Department’s districts influences job satisfaction. The study further examines the correlation between job satisfaction and employee turnover at the Department of Education, as well as how intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors influence job satisfaction. A mixed methods approach employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. For qualitative data, seven managers and four out-of-service employees were interviewed for in-depth understanding of the challenges affecting job satisfaction. Quantitative data were collected from 238 employees on their feelings and perceptions regarding job satisfaction. The quantitative data were analysed through SPSS 28.0, while thematic analysis was utilised for qualitative data. Recommendations are provided in the final chapter on how to improve and enhance employee loyalty and the level of job satisfaction. The recommendations seek to assist the Department of Education in eThekwini region to improve employee job satisfaction, job performance and employee loyalty with the aim of attracting and retaining high-quality skilled employees.