Identification, Motivation and Job Satisfaction among Tutors at the Open University of Israel

Abstract

Tutors in the OUI- The Open University of Israel (a distance learning institution) are often the only academic staff who have direct contact with students. Therefore, their performance is crucial for the university. However, the nature of their job might hinder optimal performance: they are temporary and part time employees, thus having low job security. Their academic freedom is limited and in most learning centers of the OUI they are professionally isolated. These factors can affect negatively organizational identification, job satisfaction and motivation. The present study is focused on two sets of variables that serve as possible predictors of identification, satisfaction and motivation: role perceptions (job importance and job richness) and organizational attachment (relations with the university, attentiveness of the university and the university's appreciation of their work). 71 tutors completed a general survey. Regression analysis and path analysis revealed that identification and job satisfaction were well predicted by job importance and organizational attachment, while work motivation was not. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.