Journal of Education & Social Policy

ISSN 2375-0782 (Print) 2375-0790 (Online) DOI: 10.30845/jesp

Determinants of Job Satisfaction among Teachers in Vietnam
Dr. TRAN Ngoc Tien

Abstract
This study investigates the determinants of teachers’ job satisfaction in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam and examines the feasibility of applying Herzberg’ Two-Factor Theory in Vietnam’s educational setting, employing mixed research approaches with survey questionnaire, in-depth interviews, group discussions and observations. The findings supported the application of Herzberg’s theory in the educational setting of Vietnam with the exception of recognition. The results showed that satisfiers of teaching career overwhelmingly were phenomena intrinsic to teaching tasks. These include career achievement, work itself, advancement, responsibility, job security, and support from students’ parents. Dissatisfiers, on the other hand, were those extrinsic to the teaching core and beyond the ability of teachers including promotion, pay, supervision, students’ behavior, job pressure, teacher status, teacher training, working condition, recognition, school policies, relationship with co-workers, school reputation, and career support from school. The research findings provide an analytical framework for policy makers in Vietnam to create appropriate policies for the benefit of teachers, students and the educational system. Furthermore, understanding teachers’ career satisfaction may result in higher teachers’ job commitment, job performance and attitudes towards work directly leading to higher educational outcomes.

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