Abstract:
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to study the relationship between job
satisfaction and organisational commitment of administrative officers in state
universities in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach: Data collected from 136 administrative officers
working in 15 state universities employing a structured questionnaire were used for
the study. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation, Pearson product
movement correlation, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and multivariate
regression.
Findings: The results reveal that administrative officers are satisfied with their jobs
in general. Professional growth opportunities, opportunity for advancement,
satisfaction with benefits and satisfaction with salary were the lowest mean scorers
among the components. High degree of organizational commitment was found.
According to Pearson product correlation, there was a positive moderate relationship
between job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Job satisfaction components
such as recognition, professional growth opportunities, clarity of mission, work itself,
effective senior management, and presence of core values were found significant
predictors of organizational commitment. The administrators were satisfied and
highly committed in general.
Practical implications: The recommendation to policymakers was to increase
commitment levels by enhancing the significant contributors to organizational
commitment.
Originality value: This study improves understanding the levels of job satisfaction
and organisational commitment of the administrators of state universities in Sri
Lanka, identifying factors that can improve their job satisfaction and organisational
commitment.
