Employees’ Perceptions of Job Satisfaction in Local Government Authorities: A Focus on Context-Specific Factors in Ileje and Handeni Districts, Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated about employees’ perceptions of job satisfaction, based on contextual work factors in Ileje and Handeni Districts of Tanzania. The study used the case study design with a sample of 76 employees from the districts, who participated through an interview schedule. Conceptual analysis was involved in the analysis of data to determine context-specific factors that determined the employees’ job satisfaction. Based on the findings, the study concludes that job satisfaction is shaped not only by traditional organizational factors, such as salary and workload, but also by deeper, context-specific factors, such as favoritism, tribalism and logistical challenges. Due to these findings, LGAs should develop incentive programs for remote posting to make the employees feel more appealing to stay and work. There is a need to introduce housing allowances and to improve infrastructure systems, social amenities and recreational facilities to enhance the quality of life in the studied areas. Provision of transportation allowances is also essential.