THE IMPACT OF INDIVIDUAL AND HOUSEHOLD FACTORS ON THREE WHEEL DRIVERS' JOB SATISFACTION IN YATINUWARA DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT, KANDY

Abstract

Job satisfaction is influenced by workplace conditions and personal factors, and recent studies have emphasized the impact of household dynamics and stressors. For three-wheel drivers, who play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s economy, these factors are vital, yet under-researched, especially concerning regional differences. Despite their contributions, they often face undervaluation and unsafe practices that affect the service quality. Additionally, health and safety concerns, such as pollution and accidents, are critical, but insufficiently explored. This study investigated the impact of individual and household factors on the job satisfaction of three-wheel drivers in the Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat, Kandy, focusing on economic factors, work conditions, family composition, and financial obligations. The study employed a deductive approach and a survey method as the research strategy. A monomethod with a cross-sectional time horizon was selected as the research choice. The unit of analysis was an individual three-wheel driver, and data were gathered through a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. This study targeted 250 three-wheel drivers in the Yatinuwara Divisional Secretariat, Kandy, using a stratified random sampling technique to select 152 participants, as determined by Krejcie and Morgan (1970). Six hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analyses with SPSS version 21. The findings revealed a statistically significant positive impact of individual (economic and work conditions) and household factors (family composition and financial obligations) on job satisfaction among three-wheel drivers. These results highlight the complex interplay between personal and familial circumstances in shaping the work experiences of three-wheel drivers. The findings can guide policymakers and stakeholders in developing targeted interventions to enhance working conditions and job satisfaction in this segment of the transportation workforce. Further research is needed to explore these relationships in other regions and to identify additional factors that influence job satisfaction in this sector.