The aim of this research project is three-barrelled: • to ascertain the nature of job satisfaction; • to ascertain which factors, according to literature, lead to the job satisfaction of the female head of department at a secondary school; • to ascertain which factors in the practice of education lead to the job satisfaction of the female head of department at a secondary school. To achieve these goals a literary study as well as an empirical research was undertaken. The literary study was done from primary and secondary sources. A DIALOG computer search was done with the following words: females, sex fairness, leaders, women administrators, career leaders, promotion, motivation, work satisfaction, female teachers, secondary school. Consequently the nature of job satisfaction was discussed. After having identified the management factors that have an influence on the female head of department job satisfaction, these factors were grouped and discussed under the following sub-divisions: • Factors that are situated in the head of department herself • Interpersonal relations • Factors concerning the job situation • Career development • Factors on managerial level that have an influence on job satisfaction Based on these factors a questionnaire was compiled from existing questionnaires (those of Hillebrand, 1989; Esterhuizen, 1989; Du Toit, 1994; Engelbrecht, 1996; Kirsten, 2000 and the Minnesota Importance Questionnaire, 1985). A systemized sample was used by which female heads of department of secondary schools in the North West Province were involved. The questionnaires were sent to the study population. The information thus gathered was statistically processed and interpreted. On account of these data, recommendations were made. The empirical research showed that female heads of department of secondary schools experience to a certain extent job satisfaction, but also that certain factors need attention. Based on the empirical study, recommendations were made. The most important one being the need to look incisively into adaptable scales of salary according to qualifications, as well as compensation that compares well with comparable jobs. It is important that the programme of rationalisation should be completed as soon as possible so that the matter of job security can be looked into seriously. The education authorities need to look into effective and fair evaluation for promotion, as well as into the physical work conditions of the female head of department / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001

The aim of this research project is three-barrelled: • to ascertain the nature of job satisfaction; • to ascertain which factors, according to literature, lead to the job satisfaction of the female head of department at a secondary school; • to ascertain which factors in the practice of education lead to the job satisfaction of the female head of department at a secondary school. To achieve these goals a literary study as well as an empirical research was undertaken. The literary study was done from primary and secondary sources. A DIALOG computer search was done with the following words: females, sex fairness, leaders, women administrators, career leaders, promotion, motivation, work satisfaction, female teachers, secondary school. Consequently the nature of job satisfaction was discussed. After having identified the management factors that have an influence on the female head of department job satisfaction, these factors were grouped and discussed under the following sub-divisions: • Factors that are situated in the head of department herself • Interpersonal relations • Factors concerning the job situation • Career development • Factors on managerial level that have an influence on job satisfaction Based on these factors a questionnaire was compiled from existing questionnaires (those of Hillebrand, 1989; Esterhuizen, 1989; Du Toit, 1994; Engelbrecht, 1996; Kirsten, 2000 and the Minnesota Importance Questionnaire, 1985). A systemized sample was used by which female heads of department of secondary schools in the North West Province were involved. The questionnaires were sent to the study population. The information thus gathered was statistically processed and interpreted. On account of these data, recommendations were made. The empirical research showed that female heads of department of secondary schools experience to a certain extent job satisfaction, but also that certain factors need attention. Based on the empirical study, recommendations were made. The most important one being the need to look incisively into adaptable scales of salary according to qualifications, as well as compensation that compares well with comparable jobs. It is important that the programme of rationalisation should be completed as soon as possible so that the matter of job security can be looked into seriously. The education authorities need to look into effective and fair evaluation for promotion, as well as into the physical work conditions of the female head of department / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001