ASSESSING JOB SATISFACTION OF WORKING WOMEN IN UNIVERSITIES OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Job satisfaction among working women in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) has emerged as a critical issue due to increasing female participation in academia and administration. This study examined the level and determinants of job satisfaction among working women employed in public and private sector universities in Punjab, Pakistan. Using a quantitative research approach and a structured interview schedule for data collection, the research investigated personal, organizational, and socio-cultural factors that influence women’s job satisfaction. The quantitative results indicated that there was a positive relationship between awareness of government initiatives and job satisfaction, and that workplace behaviour related to gender disparity had a significant negative impact. Regression analysis also found that workplace behaviour had the highest correlation with job satisfaction, accounting for a relatively large percentage of the variance in employee satisfaction. The study has theoretical contribution as it was able to validate Herzberg's Two-Factor theory and Social Role theory in the context of Pakistan's academic environment and gave policy recommendations to enhance women satisfaction at work balance. The results also indicated that organizational support, work-life balance, professional development and perceived equity are all important factors that impact job satisfaction. Public-Private Sector contrast of women workers is also explained. The implications for policy, university administration, and future research were included as the final aspect of the study.