Job satisfaction of extension officers: a case study in a private organization

Involvement of private sector for agricultural extension is reported to be improved gradually in Sri Lanka over last three decades. However, the effectiveness of extension depends on the job satisfaction (JS) of the extension officers (EOs). Therefore, a survey was conducted in this study with product development officers (PDOs) of a private extension company to evaluate job satisfaction of the EOs and to make appropriate suggestions to improve the JS. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. All PDOs (total population) (25) were participated for data collection. Based on the Frederick Herzberg two factors motivation theory, developed satisfaction index was used to measure the level of satisfaction. Collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Wil-coxon sign rank test. The findings of the study showed that the PDOs are satisfied with working environment, work responsibilities, available teaching material such as leaflets while they are dissatisfied with rewords, fuel and telephone bill allowances, and job security. With regard to overall job satisfaction, majority (76%) were at the indifferent level. It means that they are neither satisfied or dissatisfied level related to their job.