Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intentions of Police Officers in Rural Communities in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intentions of police officers in rural communities in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. The specific objectives included ascertaining the levels of job satisfaction and turnover intentions, and the factors influencing such levels of job satisfaction and turnover intention. Survey research design with quantitative approach was used. The study also utilized multi-stage sampling design. First, three divisional police headquarters were purposively selected from the study area. Second, nine police posts were purposively chosen from the divisional police headquarters selected. Third, one hundred and seventeen respondents were chosen from the selected police posts using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire and processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22, and statistically analysed using frequencies, percentage, and weighted mean. The results of the study showed that respondents in the sampled area had low level of job satisfaction and high turnover intentions; these were however influenced by combination of factors such as poor compensation package (including salary and fringe benefits), work overload, irregular promotion and career advancement. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the police organisation should give serious attention to factors of job satisfaction such as standard pay structure, suitable work schedule, regular promotion and job specific training as well as efficient supervision. These will not only serve as strategies for reducing employee’s job dissatisfaction and turnover intentions but also as the organisation employee retention strategy.