THE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE JOB SATISFACTION OF ACADEMICS WITHIN SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES OF TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

South African higher education has gone through numerous changes in terms of restructuring and transformation. Rapid changes of this nature, within the higher education system, necessitate alternative work arrangements, which have potential negative effects on job satisfaction of academics. Research on the contracts of employment of academic staff in the context of developing countries such as South Africa has remained scarce. The primary purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between the status of the contract of employment and job satisfaction. Data were analysed from 494 (n) academics within South African universities of technology. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between the status of the contract of employment and job satisfaction. A negative correlation between the status of the contract and job satisfaction was observed. Significant differences were found between the status of the contract and job satisfaction. The results showed that those who are permanently employed experience high levels of job satisfaction and those who have fixed-term and temporary contracts experience lower levels of job satisfaction. This study concludes by discussing managerial implications of the results. Limitations and implication for further research are explored.