Investigating the factors influencing job satisfaction : a case study of Ethekwini Municipality parks department employees.

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing job satisfaction. A case study was carried out with eThekwini Municipality Parks department employees. The researcher adopted a theoretical and conceptual framework starting from the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence job satisfaction, namely organizational factors, the work itself and individual factors. The study related to Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory, Expectancy Theory and Fredrick Herzberg's Two Factor Motivation Theory. Qualitative research method was dominantly used. This consisted of a case study design and a focus group discussion. The target population was employees of eThekwini Municipality Parks Department which were divided into six groups, namely employees from North, South, and Central, Inner and Outer West areas and one group for managers. The data was analyzed using Nvivo data management software program version 12. The results revealed ten major themes as general factors influencing job satisfaction within eThekwini Municipality Parks department. These factors include: helping communities; personal growth opportunities; working with communities; working conditions; equipment; lack of consistency with human resource management; lack of resources; gaining experience; general life satisfaction; and qualifications. In particular, factors such as poor working conditions; lack of promotion opportunities; and lack of job security were the leading factors of dissatisfaction. The results also revealed that the absence of good leadership practices, good manager relationships and or communication, recognition, advancement, personal growth, feedback and support and clear direction and objectives resulted in employee dissatisfaction. The results revealed that the organizational and negative factors of job satisfaction were influenced by inconsistence with human resource management and lack of resources, management structure, relationship with supervision, lack of resources factors, organizational and positive factors, job satisfaction was influenced by both equipment, and working conditions, although varying degrees of negative dominance. Finally, the results revealed that the level of job satisfaction at eThekwini Municipality Parks department was perceived as being low and adverse consequences of this included high absenteeism levels; vandalism of facilities; employees on temporary contracts; lack of job security; corruption; lack of resources; alcohol and substance abuse; indebtedness to loan sharks; low salaries. These all impact on employee job satisfaction. Hence, recommendations for improving levels of job satisfaction at eThekwini Municipality Parks department need to be considered. The study suggests major improvements within the

eThekwini Municipality Parks department must be aligned to the management system and overall human resource management. Key words: Job satisfaction, eThekwini Municipality, Parks department