Participation in decision making and job satisfaction of teachers in a special education center in China

This descriptive research involved 3000 teachers at Chongqing Special Education Center in China.From this number, using the Raosoft calculator, 323 was established.A simple random sampling method qualified the teachers to participate in the study.It also explored the relationship between teacher participation in making decisions and job satisfaction.Specifically, it described the respondents specifics in terms of sex, age, years of service and employment status; determined the participation of teachers in decision making in the aspects of administrative work, education and teaching , and logistic support; assessed the satisfaction of respondents in their job in the aspects of security, work environment, job and responsibilities and community attachments and linkages; tested the difference of responses on participation and job satisfaction when categorized according to profile variables; tested the relationship between teacher participation and job satisfaction; and lastly, proposed a faculty development program for improved participation and job satisfaction.Results revealed that majority of the teachers who responded in this study are female, 31-40 years old, served the school for 16 years and above, and in regular or permanent employment status.Teachers agreed that they have a good level of participation, most particularly in administrative education and teaching responsibilities.Respondents perceived work environment to be the most influencing aspect of their job satisfaction, and the least is on community attachments or linkages.Age, years in service, and employment status are variables that post highly significant differences in the responses both to teacher participation and job satisfaction.Teacher participation is significantly related to job satisfaction in the aspects of administrative work, education teaching, and logistics support.A proposed faculty development program was developed based on the results of the study.Future researchers may investigate other aspects of teacher participation that may improve their job satisfaction and participation.