Correlation of Workplace Environment Factors and Job Satisfaction: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Day Primary Schools in Mbeere North Subcounty

Abstract

The school environment serves as the physical and psychological platform for teaching and learning. This study aimed to determine the relationship between working conditions and job satisfaction among primary school teachers in Mbeere North Sub-county, Embu County, Kenya. Grounded in Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, the study utilized a descriptive survey design. A sample of 126 teachers (68 public, 58 private) was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation via SPSS version 26. Findings revealed that working conditions and job satisfaction had a weak but statistically significant positive relationship in public schools (r = 0.244, p < 0.05). In private schools, the relationship was found to be strong and statistically significant (r = 0.644, p < 0.05). The study concludes that while working conditions influence satisfaction across both sectors, their impact is far more profound in private institutions. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education and school managers prioritize infrastructural improvements and a safe work environment to enhance teacher well-being.