Australian Teachers’ Voices on Religiosity, Spirituality, and Their Link to Job Satisfaction

Abstract

This paper is the second of a two-part report on a mixed methods study that examined the job satisfaction of teachers who worked in faith-based schools. In part one (Vodéll, 2023), 11 independent variables were identified through quantitative data analysis that impacted the dependent variable of overall job satisfaction (OJS). This led to the development of a model illustrating the factors influencing OJS. In part two, the teachers’ voices are recorded from an unframed perspective. Qualitative data were collected from a sample that consisted of nine faith-based schools in Australia. A thematic analytical approach was applied to the qualitative data (N = 94), and it was found that three major themes emerged as having a major impact on OJS: People, Processes, and Purpose for Teaching. The data from both sources was then triangulated to integrate the findings using a convergent design process. It was found that religiosity impacted OJS directly and indirectly via the mediating element of spirituality. Also, spirituality itself indirectly influenced OJS via the purpose-for-teaching element. Finally, the data indicated that OJS increased when there were positive relationships (students and colleagues) and perceived organisational efficiency within the workplace.