RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JOB SATISFACTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE: THE CASE OF AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTORS (AIS) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN SOUTHERN 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 and job satisfaction, identify the personal and job related characteristics of AIs which influence the perception of organizational climate, and to suggest appropriate measures to improve the organizational climate and job satisfaction. Southern province was purposively selected as the study area. Southern province was selected since it is an important agriculture area contributing significantly to national income. Also, both province and inter province extension system are functioning in this province. The randomly selected AIs working in province and inter-province extension systems were used to collect the primary data and 53 AIs were interviewed to collect primary data. Research findings show that majority of AIs (62%) perceived the organizational climate as neutral. With regard to job satisfaction, majority (79%) of respondents were in the level of not satisfied or indifferent. Job dissatisfaction is mainly due to insufficient facilities and resources for field activities, poor performance 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 that their Job satisfaction can be increased significantly by providing necessary facilities for the field extension
activities.

Key Word: Job Satisfaction, Organizational Climate, Agricultural Instructors

For full paper: fmscresearch@sjp.ac.lk