How Do Non-monetary Incentives Affect Job Satisfaction of Primary and Secondary School Teachers: An Investigation of Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan and Chongqing

Abstract

Teacher job satisfaction is a significant factor affecting teacher work efficiency and promoting the sustainable development of teachers. Using the TALIS 2018 Teacher Questionnaire, a sample survey was conducted among primary and secondary school teachers in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing. Data analysis showed that teacher job satisfaction in these regions is at a relatively high level, yet there are significant differences among internal groups. Regression analysis indicated that the job satisfaction of primary and secondary school teachers in these regions is influenced by salary and other non-monetary factors. Comparative analysis showed that junior high school teachers in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Chongqing have a higher acceptance of salary compared to their counterparts in Shanghai, but their perceptions of non-monetary incentive factors such as social recognition and media attention is lower than that of teachers in Shanghai, resulting in an overall lower level of job satisfaction compared to Shanghai. To uphold the spirit of educationalist and enhance teacher job satisfaction, efforts should be made to not only improve salary levels but also address non-monetary factors such as optimizing teacher work experiences, facilitating pathways for teacher education and career promotion, and fostering a positive atmosphere that respects and values teachers. Meeting the intrinsic needs of teachers will provide strong support for accelerating education modernization, building a strong country in education, and delivering education that satisfies the people.

Keywords

• primary and secondary school teachers
• job satisfaction
• salary
• non-monetary factor
• two factor theory