Motivation and job satisfaction of deans of schools of nursing.

Factors influencing the job satisfaction of deans of schools of nursing were analyzed using the motivational theory of expectancy. A questionnaire was sent to 595 deans/directors of baccalaureate and higher degree schools of nursing accredited by the National League for Nursing. The three part questionnaire consisted of (1) Demographic data, (2) Motivation and Reward Scales, and (3) The Job Description Index. Significant relationships were found within each job satisfaction variable (P less than or equal to .05). The most significant and numerous relationships were found within the variable of pay or salary. Deans who had long tenure in their administrative positions and were associated with large universities and schools of nursing were also found to be statistically significant (P less than or equal to .05). A direct relationship between the scores on the Motivation and Reward Scale and the scores on the Job Description Index was supported. The individual and collective facets of job satisfaction were positively and significantly correlated (P less than or equal to .05) with motivation, providing support for the theoretical framework that proposes an interdependent relationship. Additional findings from regression analyses suggested that motivation is a significant predictor of job satisfaction.