A Comparison of Perceived Job Satisfaction Levels Among Shared and Nonshared Superintendents in Iowa

Abstract

The problem. The problem of this study is to compare job satisfaction levels of superintendents within Iowa. The study is designed to ascertain if there are differences in perceived job satisfaction levels between current shared superintendents, nonshared superintendents, large school district superintendents, and shared superintendents of 1988. Procedure. Four independent samples of superintendents in Iowa were developed. The samples included shared superintendents in Iowa in 1993, nonshared superintendents serving districts with less than 1,950 students, nonshared superintendents serving districts with more than 1,950 students, and finally, shared superintendents in Iowa in 1988. The Job Descriptive Index (JDI) was used to quantify perceived job satisfaction levels regarding wosk itself, pay, promotion, supervision, and coworkers. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to identify significant differences in perceived job satisfaction levels in each of the five components of the JDI among the groups. Findinqs. The research indicated that the 1993 shared superintendents were significantly less satisfied with the work itself than any of the other three groups. The 1993 shared superintendents were less satisfied with their chances for promotion than superintendents of large school districts. Finally, the 1993 shared superintendents were found to be significantly less satisfied with their salary than were the shared superintendents of 1988. Conclusions. The research illuminates some of the problems associated with the position of shared superintendent in Iowa. Districts that are considering sharing the services of a single superintendent need to carefully plan the relationship. A person that is considering serving in the shared position should have a clear understanding of the shared vision of the position. Furthermore, the shared superintendent could experience greater levels of perceived job satisfaction if serving in a nonshared position.