Job satisfaction and motivation levels of graduate teachers in Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

This study examined teacher motivation and job satisfaction among graduate teachers in Cape Coast, Ghana. Factors that affected teacher motivation and the sources of motivation in teaching were highlighted. Maslow’s (1970) needsatisfaction variables and Herzberg et al.’s (1959) man’s work needs; “motivating factors” and “hygiene factors” formed the components of needs satisfaction in this study. The population consisted of 960 graduate teachers in .11 government senior high schools. The non-proportional quota and convenience sampling procedures were used to select 10 teachers from eachschool. Mertler’s (2002) questionnaire on job satisfaction and perception of motivation among teachers was adapted and modified to solicit responses. Data were analysed using frequencies and percentages. The survey revealed that even though graduate teachers were somewhat satisfied with their jobs, they were un-motivated. Teachers who were dissatisfied with their jobs and were poorly motivated were not likely to perform effectively. The motivated group were most motivated by the job context and content. It was recommended that employers and policy makers should pay particular attention to the higher-order needs proposed by Maslow (1970) and Herzberg et al. (1959) for job satisfaction and motivation.