Motivation and job satisfaction of lecturers in Rivers Owned Higher Institutions: implications for counselling

This study examined motivation, and job satisfaction of lecturers in Rivers State Owned Higher Institutions. The study adopted correlational design. Eight research questions and eight corresponding hypotheses guided the conduct of the study. The population of the study consisted of 4,364 lecturers. A sample of 300 lecturers (150 males and 150 females) was selected for the study through non-proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Three instruments guided the conduct of this study. They are: “Lecturers’ Motivation Scale” (LMS) and “Lecturers’ Job Satisfaction Scale” (LJSS). These instruments were used for data collection. The reliability of the instruments was established through test-retest Method. The reliability indices for LMS was (r=0.87) and LJSS (r=0.89). Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to answer and test the research questions and hypotheses. The results of the analyses of the hypotheses were tested for statistical significance at .05 alpha level. There was a very strong and significant relationship between physiological needs and job satisfaction among lecturers, there was a very strong and significant relationship between safety needs and job satisfaction among lecturers, there was a strong and significant relationship between belongingness needs and job satisfaction among lecturers, there was a very strong and significant relationship between esteem needs and job satisfaction among lecturers, there was a very strong and significant relationship between self-actualization and job satisfaction among lecturers. Based on the findings the study recommended that management of Rivers owned higher institutions should provide conducive work environment to ensure job satisfaction lecturers and lecturers should be adequately motivated for higher job productivity and job satisfaction.