Influence of supervisory behavior on job satisfaction among university library assistants in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Job satisfaction is the amount of overall positive effects or feelings that individuals have towards their jobs. The study of job satisfaction enriches management with a range of information pertaining to job, employee, and environment. which facilitates decision making and correcting the path of organizational policies and behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of supervisors on job satisfaction among University Library Assistants in Sri Lanka. The six components, which directly affect on the job satisfaction of Library Assistants due to their supervisors were measured through: guidance of duties, performance evaluation, facilities provided, decision making, distribution of duties and impartiality. The study population was 280 Library Assistants attached to the libraries of 13 National Universities. A mail questionnaire was used as the main data collection instrument. 208 individuals responded out of 280 Library Assistants. The overall response rate was 74.29%. The results indicated that the majority of Library Assistants were positive on all measured parameters of the activities of their supervisors. Out of the six parameters, guidance of duties has become a strong facet that contributes to overall job satisfaction of Library Assistants under their supervisors. It was found that 119 respondents (57%) were satisfied and 43 (21%) were highly satisfied regarding the guidance of duties of supervisors. Satisfaction (highly satisfied and satisfied) on performance evaluation, facilities provided, decision making, distribution of duties and impartiality were 57%, 56%, 55% 57% and 59% respectively. Further, this study reveals that more than half of the Library assistants of National Universities are satisfied with supervision of the supervisors. The finding of the study will be helpful for the university authorities and librarians for the quality development of the effective service of Library Assistants of University Libraries in Sri Lanka