An Exploratory Analysis of Demographic, Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors as Determinants of Job Satisfaction Level of a Conservation Agency’s Employees in Nigeria

Aims: This study determined the current aggregate levels of job satisfaction, the intrinsic, extrinsic and demographic factors that are related to the job satisfaction of Nigeria National Park Service employees.

Study Design: This study was a questionnaire survey.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the seven National Parks being administered by Nigeria National Park Service. The parks are Chad Basin, Cross River, Gashska Gumti, Kainji Lake, Kamuku, Okomu and Old Oyo National Parks. It was conducted from 2008 to 2010.

Methodology: The study population was the employees of Nigeria National Parks. List of employees was obtained from each of the parks; the total number of employees was estimated to be 2000 individuals from which 231 (representing 11.6% of the population) were randomly selected for the study. About 300 questionnaires were distributed from where 231 were returned, amounting to 77% response rate. Data collection was through self-administered questionnaires. Job satisfaction was assessed using the modified form of Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and the modified form of 2002 Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (VSWCD) Employee Evaluation.

Results: The study showed that the overall job satisfaction of the employees was low. All the employees were not satisfied with any item of intrinsic job satisfaction factors while they were only satisfied with one item of extrinsic job satisfaction factors. They were also satisfied with five items of VSWCD employee evaluation issues. Education and monthly pay were the predictors of their overall job satisfaction while there were correlations between intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction factors and overall job satisfaction.

Conclusion: The study has contributed to the existing knowledge of job satisfaction, particularly as related to conservation organisations’ employees. The study showed that job satisfaction level of Nigeria National Parks employees was low. They were not satisfied with any items on intrinsic job satisfaction factors while they were only satisfied with one item on extrinsic satisfaction. It is highly imperative for Nigeria National Parks Service to improve the working conditions, including pay and all other job satisfaction factors of employees in order to enhance their job satisfaction level.