Gender, School Climate and Job Satisfaction as Correlates of Job Absenteeism among Selected Secondary School Teachers in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Absenteeism has long been considered a significant and pervasive problem in industries and schools. As a result, theories have been developed and numerous studies conducted to identify the causes of absenteeism. Probably one of the most common theories is the notion that absenteeism is caused by employees avoiding a painful or dissatisfying work situation. Although it is recognized that absenteeism may be caused by the employee's inability to come to work, motivation to attend work is assumed to be a major factor determining how often an employee is absent. To many in the world of work, absenteeism is one of those stubborn problems for which there is no clear culprit and no easy cure. The purpose of this study was to investigate gender, school climate and job satisfaction as correlates of job absenteeism among selected secondary school teachers in Osun State, Nigeria.Descriptive research design of ex-post-facto type was used in the study. Four hundred (400) respondents were selected from Local Governments in Osun State, Nigeria. The respondents were measured with relevant standardized scales strong reliability coefficient and the data obtained was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Regression statistical analysis of the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Three research hypotheses and two research questions were raised and answered in the study. The result showed that teachers’ absenteeism is significantly correlated with gender (r = .561; p<.05), school climate (r = .495; p<.05) and job satisfaction (r= .784; p<.05), independent variables when pulled together have significant contribution to teachers’ absenteeism (R (adjusted) =.592 & R2 (adjusted) =.582) and each of the independent variables made a significant contribution to the prediction of teachers’ absenteeism (school climate made the most significant contribution (Beta= .612; t= 2.542; P<0.05) follow by job satisfaction (Beta= .268; t= 3.471; P<0.05) and gender (Beta= .056; t= 1.071; P<0.05).  On the strength of these findings, it was stressed and advocated that public and private schools should endeavour to provide enabling environment for the teachers, school management also should motivate their teacher and give attractive welfare packages to enhance their job satisfaction, because their level of job satisfaction has significant influence on teachers’ job absenteeism in the school. Keywords: Gender, School Climate, Job Satisfaction and Job Absenteeis