Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the job satisfaction of principals and assistant principals in traditional public high schools in Southern California's Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and those in charter high schools operating within the same boundaries. Methodology. The subjects in the present study were 15 traditional high school principals, 46 traditional high school assistant principals, 10 charter high school principals, and 1 charter high school assistant principal. All subjects were selected from East Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley schools. Subjects responded to two research instruments: (a) a survey assessing job satisfaction based on Herzberg's two-factor theory, and (b) an interview utilizing 5 semistructured interview questions assessing job satisfaction in their positions. Findings. Examination of the quantitative and qualitative data from traditional and charter high schools indicated high levels of job satisfaction in terms of Herzberg's motivation factors such as service, achievement, recognition, and work itself. Hygiene factors such as policy, salary, and job security indicated low levels of job satisfaction. Conclusions. The study data support the conclusion that principals and assistant principals in traditional and charter high schools are satisfied with the service they provide public education. On the other hand, policy, salary, job security, and bureaucracy have a negative impact conducive to lack of job satisfaction. Recommendations: Further research is advised: a replication of the study to include other areas of the LAUSD and/or other school districts in the state of California. Also, it is recommended that the study be replicated with a greater number of subjects from charter schools.