Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction of Employees in Private Sector Universities of Islamabad

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16967306

Abstract

This study aims to examine the factors that affect employee job satisfaction in private sector universities based in Islamabad. The study employed a quantitative research approach using a cross-sectional survey design. A structured questionnaire was developed based on previous studies and validated by five experts to ensure its validity. The questionnaire was created via Google Forms, and the link was shared with 282 faculty members/staff, whose email addresses and contact information were collected from the university's websites. A convenient sample approach was used for the data collection. Out of 282 contacted, 274 respondents completed the questionnaire. The data were imported into SPSS version 27 software for demographic information, while SmartPLS 4.1.1.0 was used for hypothesis testing. The findings show that all hypotheses’ relationships in the model were statistically significant, with p-values less than 0.05. The structural model results indicated that Leadership Behavior (LB) significantly predicted Job Satisfaction (JS) (β = 0.225, p < 0.01) and Job Autonomy (JA) (β = 0.904, p < 0.001), as well as Teamwork  (β = 0.956, p < 0.001). Furthermore, Job Autonomy (JA) (β = 0.357, p < 0.001) and Teamwork  (β = 0.419, p < 0.001) were found to be strong predictors of Job Satisfaction (JS). All hypothesized relationships were statistically significant and thus supported. These results support all proposed paths in the conceptual model. The study highlights the importance of university administrators implementing leadership techniques that grant faculty members greater autonomy and foster a team spirit. The research also fills the existing research gap on job satisfaction in Pakistan's private sector education, which has lacked comprehensive research recommendations on how these institutions can enhance faculty satisfaction and achieve organizational goals. The research provides insightful information and can be used as a guideline tool for curricula, policymaking, and research scholars in the field.