The influence of motivation on job satisfaction among teachers in basic schools at Bodi District in the Western North Region of Ghana

Abstract

Motivation and job satisfaction are important tools that promote teacher effectiveness in schools. However, these important tools seem not to be given priority attention by heads of basic schools. The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of motivation on job satisfaction among teachers in the basic schools at Bodi District in the Western North Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population of the study was all the teachers in basic schools at Bodi District. Purposive sampling technique was used to select one hundred teachers for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for the study. The data were statistically analysed using means, standard deviations and Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient. The study found that the level of motivation among teachers in the sampled schools was low. The findings showed that the job satisfaction among teachers was also low. The study showed a statistically significant, moderate and positive relationship between motivation and job satisfaction among teachers, suggesting that the more motivated teachers are the more satisfied they are and vice versa. The results imply that low motivation among teachers has however, translated into low job satisfaction among the teachers in the schools. This establishes that to get the best from teachers, we need to give them the best. It is recommended that motivational programs and packages should be put in place for schools’ managers, teachers and students so as to encourage them and maintain their focus on their roles and contribution towards effective and efficient educational system. Similar research could be carried out to include heads of schools to examine the role of motivation in teacher’s job satisfaction in basic schools.