Influence of personality traits and self-efficacy on job satisfaction of junior high school teachers in Awutu-Senya West District

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of personality traits and self-efficacy on job satisfaction of junior high school teachers in Awutu-Senya West District. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample size comprised 461 respondents. The census survey technique was used to select respondents. Structured questionnaires were the instruments used to collect data for the study. Multiple Linear Regression, Independent Samples T-test and the Bootstrapping Approach were used to test the hypotheses. The study revealed that personality traits in terms of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience do not significantly influence teachers‘ job satisfaction. However, neuroticism significantly predicted teachers‘ job satisfaction. Also, teacher self-efficacy in terms of student engagement, instructional practices and classroom management is not a relevant predictor of their job satisfaction. The results further revealed that male and female teachers do not differ in terms of their personality traits, self-efficacy and job satisfaction. It was also found that location (rural/urban) of teachers significantly influenced their extraversion but not their self- efficacy and job satisfaction. The study concluded that the more teachers become emotionally stable and deliver to the satisfaction of students, the more satisfied they become with their job. Lastly, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Awutu-Senya West District Directorate should organise in-service and capacity building workshop in professional practice and psychological preparedness for teachers to enable them to develop a positive attitude towards work and enhance their job satisfaction.