Job Satisfaction Among University Academics: Age and Rank Differences

What is it about?

The study examined job satisfaction differences based on age and academic rank among university academics in Tanzania. The Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) was validated among the sample of 411 academics from four universities. The study found good psychometrics for the MSQ, with a two-factor model that accounted for 58.7% of the total variance. The results indicated that academics were moderately satisfied with their job and that there were significant differences in job satisfaction based on age and academic rank. The study suggests that university management should develop innovative approaches to enhance job satisfaction among university lecturers. [Some of the content on this page has been created by AI]

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Why is it important?

This study is important for several reasons. First, it examines the possible significant group differences in job satisfaction based on age and academic rank among university academics in Tanzania, providing insights into the factors affecting job satisfaction in this context. Second, it further validates the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) among university academics in Tanzania, contributing to the body of literature on the reliability and validity of the MSQ in different cultural contexts. Third, by identifying the demographic variables that significantly impact job satisfaction, universities and policy-makers can develop targeted strategies to enhance the job satisfaction of university lecturers, addressing issues such as brain drain, academic turnover, and inefficiencies in academia. Key Takeaways: 1. The study found the following key takeaways: 2. The MSQ-short form showed good psychometrics, confirming a two-factor structure with the best absolute fit indices. 3. University academics in Tanzania were moderately satisfied with their job, shedding light on areas that need improvement in terms of job satisfaction. 4. The two demographic variables, age and academic rank, had a significant difference in job satisfaction, with academics in higher academic ranks and younger age groups being more satisfied with their job.