The Influence of Rank, Tenure, and Years of Experience on Job Satisfaction of Academic Staff in a Kenyan Universit

This descriptive-correlational study explored the job satisfaction of Moi University academic staff members as measured by Job Descriptive Index and Job in General (JDI/JIG) scales, compared to faculty job satisfaction levels of Eastern Tennessee Community Colleges in the USA. Out of 738 academic staff of Moi invited to participate, 480 survey questionnaires were found to be usable for this study, yielding a response rate of 65%. Results of t-test for independent samples showed that Moi University staff were more satisfied with pay (p=.042), while Eastern Tennessee State staff had higher satisfaction with the JDI facet work on present job (p=.021). There were no significant differences between the two universities on the other JDI/JIG scales of opportunities for promotion, supervision, people on your present job and job in general.;The study also investigated the effects of rank, tenure and years of job experience on the facets of job satisfaction for Moi University academic staff , using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison, regression analysis. A statistically significant difference on pay and opportunities for promotion was found among academic ranks (p=.018; p=.017 respectively) at Moi University. Professors (M=32.3) were significantly more satisfied with pay than were senior lectures (M=24.4) and lecturers (M=23.5). Associate professors were significantly more satisfied with opportunities for promotion than were lecturers (M=29.4 versus M=22.8 respectively). Non-tenured academic staff had a higher mean score (M=29.4) compared to tenured academic staff (M=24.4) indicating they were more satisfied with pay than tenured staff.;Results of this research can be used by Moi University to target interventions to specific subgroups, by rank, tenure, and experience, for specific facets of job satisfaction. Qualitative research could provide more insight into the reasons for staff satisfaction levels at Moi. The present comparison of one Kenyan university and one USA University can be expanded to additional institutions for more insight into cross-cultural differences. A model from Consciousness-based Education is presented which suggested a fundamental approach to job satisfaction by reducing stress and improving creativity.