Job Satisfaction among Employees of a Higher Educational Institution

Abstract

A longitudinal study was conducted to determine the level and key determinants of job satisfaction among different categories of employees of a classical university on the example of University of Tyumen. A typology of university employees has been formed depending on the nature of job satisfaction: satisfied with (1) career growth and material component, (2) the meaning of work, fairness and comfort of work, (3) working conditions and equipment of the workplace. The highest overall job satisfaction is characteristic of employees who highly appreciated their satisfaction with the content of the work performed, fairness and comfort of work.  Groups of factors that motivate employees to work effectively are identified: reliability and stability, career growth and social capital, managerial potential. The respondents who are most satisfied with their work are those who are motivated by career growth and building up social capital. This group is dominated by representatives of the university management and line managers. It was also found that job satisfaction is higher among those teachers and researchers who expect career changes related to territorial displacement.  The results of the study can be useful to managers of university personnel services when developing a set of measures aimed at increasing job satisfaction among representatives of various professional groups, which will increase the prestige of work in the academic sector, retain talented employees and reduce staff turnover.