Teacher Attitudes Towards Some Administrative Practices in a Sample of New South Wales State High Schools

Abstract

In a study of staff motivation and morale a sample of high school teachers in an administrative area of the New South Wales centralized system was asked to complete a questionnaire on their reactions to a number of factors influencing their attitudes to teaching. One question referred to salary satisfaction, another to non‐material factors affecting work attitudes. A strong service drive was reflected in the respondents' replies. The majority of teachers, especially males, felt that their salaries were not a true reflection of the value of their work, but that they would not work harder if their salaries were increased. The factors which influenced the respondents' attitudes most favourably were pride in achievement of ex‐pupils, stable school routine, appreciation from parents and an assurance that their work was regarded as being as important as every other teacher's. Examination of the data suggests that high morale in teaching is chiefly dependent upon the fulfilment of altruistic rather than material needs.