Factors Affecting the Job Satisfaction of Faculty Members of Bu-Ali Sina University

The job satisfaction of faculty members is the most important factor in higher education. If effectiveness and productivity of the higher education system and academic community are to be enhanced, then we must examine what factors influences the job satisfaction of faculty members. The purpose of this descriptive-correlational study was to examine factors affecting job satisfaction of faculty members of Bu-Ali Sina University as explained by Herzberg job motivator and hygiene factors. A group of 85 faculty member of Bu-Ali Sina University, was randomly selected as sample. Employing a descriptive-correlative survey method, data were collected through questionnaire. The faculty members were generally satisfied with their jobs. However, male faculty members were less satisfied than female faculty members. The factor “work itself” was the most motivating aspect for faculty. The least motivating aspect was “working conditions.” The demographic characteristics were negligibly related to overall job satisfaction. The factors “work itself,” and “advancement” explained 60 per cent of the variance among faculty members’ overall level of job satisfaction. The demographic characteristics (age, years of experience, academic rank, degree) were negligibly related to overall job satisfaction.