The relationship between communication satisfaction and job satisfaction of elementary school principals

Effective school studies showed that the principal -- as building leader -- is the key person in establishing and maintaining good schools; however, an extensive review of the literature revealed a lack of empirical data relevant to the relationship between the principal's level of job satisfaction end communication satisfaction. The purpose addressed in this study was to measure the relationship between communication satisfaction and job satisfaction of elementary school principals. Specific research questions addressed by the study were as follows:

1. How satisfied are elementary school principals with their jobs?
2. How satisfied are elementary school principals with the communication within their school system?
3. What is the relationship between job satisfaction and communication satisfaction of elementary school principals?

The Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire developed and copywrited in 1974 by Downs and Hazen was utilized with revisions by the researcher. The population participating in the study was determined by selecting elementary school principals listed in the Tidewater Zone of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals.

The computed correlation coefficients, which ranged from .09 to .41, indicated that a low positive relationship exists between the elementary principals stated job satisfaction, level of job satisfaction, level of productivity, and the eight dimensions and total communication satisfaction instrument.

The conclusions presented in this study are the results of data collected from the elementary school principals toward the Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire.

1. Elementary principals were generally satisfied with their jobs.
2. Elementary principals were very satisfied with the communication within their school system. 3. A low positive relationship exists between the elementary principals' job satisfaction and communication satisfaction; however, observers/interpreters/researchers may be reasonably confident that a true relationship exists between job satisfaction and communication satisfaction of elementary school principals.