Vocational satisfaction pattern of baccalaureate community health education alumni of UW-La Crosse

Abstract

This research assessed the job satisfaction available in the Community Health Education (CHE) employment of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse alumni. The Minnesota Job Description Questionnaire was chosen to assess 21 specific reinforcing characteristics. A set of general questions was also included. Both alumni and their supervisors were asked to respond to the survey. Responses were scored for each group to show a pattern for 22 supervisors and the 33 alumni who returned questionnaires. The 21 values for the alumni pattern were used to determine present and absent reinforcers. These patterns were then compared with one another using an analysis of variance (p is less than or equal to .05). Similar comparisons were done between CHE and pre-existing patterns for Social Casework, High School Teaching, and Nursing. Twenty of the 21 reinforcers were found to be present in CHE employment as indicated by positive scale values. The most rewarding characteristics were the opportunity to make use of individual abilities, planning work with little supervision, and doing things for other people. The only reinforcing characteristic which was absent was compensation. Thus, the Ss did not feel well paid in comparison to other workers. Other reinforcers which were present in only minimal amounts included the opportunity to tell other workers what to do, and the training received from supervisors. The ANOVA showed no significant differences between the 2 patterns for CHE and Social Caseworker, High School Teacher, and Nurse. Specific reinforcers did differ however. Job security was lower in CHE while the opportunity to try ones' own ideas was generally higher in CHE. Overall, CHE was most similar to High School Teachers and Social Casework and less similar to Nursing. CHE supervisors and CHE workers differed most in reinforcers which involved the supervisors.