نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله [English]
Investigating the role of organizational climate and job satisfaction on the mental health of elementary school teachers in Divandareh city
نویسندگان [English]
Seyedeh Sabri Hosseini *: Teacher and Bachelor of Elementary Education.
Ayese Amini: Master of Health Education and Healthcare Professional.
Detailed Abstract
Introduction: The main objective of this study is to examine the role of organizational climate and job satisfaction on the mental health of primary school teachers in Divandarreh County.
Materials and methods: This research is descriptive and correlational in nature, and it is classified as applied research. The statistical population of this study includes all primary school teachers in Divandarreh County, totaling 439 individuals. Using the Morgan table and convenient sampling method, a sample size of 205 participants was selected. Data were collected using the following questionnaires: the Organizational Climate Questionnaire by Sussman and Depew (1989), the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (1989), and the Goldberg Mental Health Questionnaire (1972). For data analysis, SmartPLS 3 software was used to model structural equations, and SPSS version 26 was used for other analyses. The significance level for the tests was set at 0.05 (α = 0.05).
Results and discussion: Data analysis showed a significant relationship between organizational climate, job satisfaction, and mental health. Analysis of the research hypotheses revealed significant relationships between the clarity and agreement on organizational goals, role clarity and agreement, satisfaction with organizational rewards, satisfaction and agreement on procedures, pay systems, job type, opportunities for advancement, leadership style, and mental health. Additionally, the findings indicated that there was no significant relationship between the effectiveness of communication, organizational climate, and physical conditions with mental health.
Organizational climate is a relatively enduring characteristic of an organization that distinguishes it from other organizations. It is reflected in collective perceptions of factors such as autonomy, trust, cohesion, support, identity, recognition, innovation, and impartiality, and is created through interactions between members. It serves as a basis for interpreting situations and reflects the norms, values, attitudes, and perceptions of the organizational culture. Furthermore, organizational climate acts as an influential and powerful source in shaping behavior. Therefore, a better organizational climate leads individuals to feel more effective in their work environment, preventing them from becoming weak or disengaged, and contributing to better mental health. The more open the organizational climate in schools, the stronger the morale of the staff. Considering the nature of these two factors, this relationship appears to be natural. The more appropriate the organizational climate, the less psychological energy an individual expends, fostering constructive and positive social relationships with others. The individual understands their role within social groups properly, leads a purposeful and goal-driven life, and their actions are based on pursuing these goals, ensuring their mental health.
Additionally, the results of the research showed that there is a significant negative relationship between job satisfaction and mental health. Numerous studies have shown that dissatisfied employees are more susceptible to various illnesses, ranging from headaches to heart diseases. In other words, a decrease in job satisfaction puts an individual’s mental health at risk. This result indicates that if mental health in any of its subscales is compromised, and if an individual's internal and job-related needs are not adequately met, their mental health will be affected. When an individual loses their job satisfaction, the negative consequences will create problems for the organization. Many scholars and educators believe that teachers are the most significant and influential factor in the educational process. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to say that teachers form the foundation of a successful educational system. The first step toward achieving an effective educational staff is understanding the factors that impact teachers' activities. Among these factors, job satisfaction and, consequently, the mental health of teachers are essential, as there is a direct relationship between job satisfaction, mental health, and their performance. Those with higher job satisfaction and mental health perform their work better. Therefore, it is necessary for educational institutions to pay more attention to the mental health and job satisfaction of teachers.
Conclusion: The overall conclusion of the study suggests that by considering the priority and importance of each of these factors affecting the quality of education in primary schools, schools can enhance educational quality using school-centered management from the perspective of school administrators.
Keywords: Organizational Climate, Job Satisfaction, Mental Health.