LEVELS OF SATISFACTION AMONG PRINCIPALS IN SELECTED FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICTS (JOB DESCRIPTIVE INDEX)

This study examined job satisfaction as it affected principals of large and small high schools and middle/junior high schools on the dimensions of work, pay, promotion, supervision, and co-workers. More specifically, 125 principals in selected school districts of Central Florida were asked to complete the Job Descriptive Index (JDI) to determine if there is a difference in the levels of satisfaction among and between the levels of principalship and size of school. The statistically significant conclusions drawn from the data were: (1) Principals of large schools were more satisfied than principals of small schools on the dimension of promotion. (2) Principals of large middle/junior high schools were more satisfied on the dimensions of promotion, supervision, and co-workers than principals of small middle/junior high schools. (3) Principals of large middle/junior high schools were more satisfied on the supervision dimension than those of large high schools. (4) Principals of small high schools were more satisfied than principals of small middle/junior high schools on the promotion and co-worker dimensions. Perhaps the most important conclusion drawn from this research is that principals at all levels in large and small schools alike are more satisfied with those dimensions of the job over which they have some control and that pertain to interpersonal relations--co-workers, supervision, and the work itself--and are least satisfied with those dimensions over which they have little or no control--pay and promotion.