EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG FACULTY MEMBERS IN SELF-FINANCING COLLEGES IN KERALA: A CONCEPTUAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The quality and effectiveness of higher educational institutions largely depend on the commitment, motivation, and satisfaction of their employees. In recent years, employee engagement and job satisfaction have emerged as significant constructs in organizational behaviour research due to their influence on employee performance, organizational commitment, retention, and institutional effectiveness. Self-financing colleges in Kerala have become an important component of the higher education sector, contributing significantly to educational access and development. However, these institutions often face challenges related to faculty retention, workload management, work-life balance, career advancement opportunities, and organizational support. This conceptual review examines the existing literature on employee engagement and job satisfaction in higher educational institutions with special reference to self-financing colleges in Kerala. The review synthesizes findings from previous studies and identifies leadership behaviour, organizational support, work environment, employment-life quality, compensation, and professional development opportunities as major determinants of employee engagement and job satisfaction. The paper further explores the relationship between employee engagement and job satisfaction and proposes a conceptual framework for future empirical research. The review highlights the need for comprehensive studies focusing on self-financing colleges in Kerala and provides insights for educational administrators seeking to improve institutional effectiveness through employee-centred practices.

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