Abstract:
The gap between potential and actual yield is a crucial issue in Sri Lanka’s agriculture
which is directly linked with the performance of the extension officers. Agricultural
Instructors (AIs) who work closely with the farmers play a major role in yield gap
reduction. Understanding the level and determinants of job satisfaction of the AIs is
therefore important to make informed decisions to establish an efficient extension
system at the farm level. This study assessed the level of job satisfaction and its
determinants among AIs in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka applying the
global rating and the summation of job satisfaction facets approaches. The
Minnesota-structured questionnaire method was used to collect primary data from
AIs selected randomly. Job satisfaction determinants and level were measured on an
ordered 5-point Likert scale statement under seven dimensions: personal growth, job
security,
supervision,
recognition,
co-workers, working conditions, and
organizational environment. The level of job satisfaction was measured with the Job
Satisfaction Index (JSI). The Ordinal logit regression model was used to identify the
factors affecting the job satisfaction of AIs. The results showed that most AIs are
moderately satisfied with their job and the index ranged from 0.56 for organizational
environment to 0.75 for recognition. The JSI results further revealed that all seven
dimensions contributed to low job satisfaction among AIs. The results of the ordinal
logit regression model found that supervision is statistically significant (p>0.001)
followed by recognition at (p>0.05) on job satisfaction. The study concludes that job
satisfaction of the AIs could be improved through the development of both
motivational and hygiene factors under Herzberg's two-factor theory. Policymakers
need to pay special attention to taking measures to develop job satisfaction for AIs
to increase their contribution to the sector's development.
