The job satisfaction of black female academics

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the job satisfaction of black, female
academics at a distance education institution. To this end, a phenomenological
method was employed. By means of purposeful and snowball sampling, ten
participants from different departments in the humanities were recruited and
interviewed. Participants were asked how they felt about teaching, research,
community service, administration, compensation and job security, promotions,
management, co-workers' behaviour and their physical environment. Findings
indicate that the participants have a strong teaching orientation and need a
supportive environment. Herzberg's theory on job satisfaction could only be
partially confirmed. Management need to consider factors that influence
satisfaction and dissatisfaction to improve the wellbeing of this group of academics.

South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 19 (4) 2005: pp.754-769