RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JOB SATISFACTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE: THECASE OF AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTORS (AIS) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INSOUTHERN PROVINCE

Abstract

This study was conducted by using Agricultural Instructors (AIs) of the Department of Agriculture during 2009 /2010. The objectives of the study were: to ascertain the perception of AIs towards the organizational climate andjob satisfaction, identify the personal and job related characteristics of AIs which influence the perception oforganizational climate, and to suggest appropriate measures to improve the organizational climate and jobsatisfaction. Southern province was purposively selected as the study area. Southern province was selected sinceit is an important agriculture area contributing significantly to national income. Also, both province and interprovince extension system are functioning in this province. The randomly selected AIs working in province andinter-province extension systems were used to collect the primary data and 53 AIs were interviewed to collectprimary data. Research findings show that majority of AIs (62%) perceived the organizational climate asneutral. With regard to job satisfaction, majority (79%) of respondents were in the level of not satisfied orindifferent. Job dissatisfaction is mainly due to insufficient facilities and resources for field activities, poorperformance appraisal, lack of recognition for creative work and lack of opportunities for career development.Job satisfaction is positively correlated with the organizational climate (r= 0.338, p = 0.01). AIs suggested thattheir Job satisfaction can be increased significantly by providing necessary facilities for the field extensionactivities.

Key Words: Job Satisfaction, Organizational Climate, Agricultural Instructors

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