Teachers’ perspectives regarding the factors that influence job performance at an independent school in the Umlazi district.

Abstract

This study sought to investigate teachers’ perspectives on the factors that influence their job performance at an Independent school in the uMlazi District. The rationale for the study considered the various roles and responsibilities required of teachers. By providing informative factors that affect teacher job performance, it is hoped that teachers would be provided with the necessary assistance and support from management and stakeholders within the Independent School so that teachers may overcome current challenges that they face and encourage increased job performance. The study suggests that, as a result of supportive conditions, teachers would be better equipped to carry out their roles and responsibilities effectively, thereby contributing to a positive transformation of the school work environment. This study employed a qualitative research design and applied an interpretivist paradigm to explore the meaning that participants place on social situations under investigation, the study adopted the purposive sampling process when selecting participants. The study was conducted at an Independent School within the uMlazi School District in KwaZulu-Natal. Six participants were selected within the school; all participants were permanently employed at the school. Three Foundation Phase teachers and three Senior and FET Phase teachers were selected through purposive sampling. The data was generated through a series of semi-structured interviews that lasted for a duration of over 60 minutes, including probing questions. Using the Thematic analysis approach, the data was then coded and organised into themes, categories and sub-categories. The findings revealed that there are various factors that influence teacher job performance. Positive factors such as adequate resources and freedom to teach content in unique ways influenced teachers’ job performance. Conversely, negative factors that influenced job performance, such as poor salaries and incentives, workload and lack of communication from management within the school. It was discovered that managers within the school and stakeholders play a vital role in providing support and guidance in motivating teachers in the work environment. The study also revealed that motivation and recognition strategies are vital in enhancing teacher job performance.