A Study of Job Satisfaction amongst Teachers Working in Private Engineering Colleges

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of job satisfaction among faculty members employed in private engineering colleges in India. Drawing on a cross-sectional design with data collected from 148 respondents from faculty of renowned engineering colleges across the country, the study applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to explore direct, mediating, and moderating effects among key constructs such as Work Environment, Compensation and Benefits, Job Security, Recognition & Reward, Leadership & Management, and Career Growth. The findings reveal significant direct effects of Work Environment and Compensation on Job Satisfaction, mediated by Job Security and Recognition & Reward, respectively. Furthermore, Leadership and Career Growth moderate these relationships, highlighting the conditional nature of faculty perceptions. The validated model shows high explanatory power (R² = 0.62) and acceptable model fit (SRMR = 0.062; NFI = 0.891). These results provide strategic guidance for institutional policy-makers to enhance faculty engagement, satisfaction, and retention through targeted organizational practices.