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 Joelle Danielle Ngo Ndjama 

Abstract

The changing landscape of education has made it fundamental for employees to actively participate in decision-making to increase companies’ competitive advantage, aim and performance. However, academics find it difficult to find satisfaction in their careers, as they are constantly navigating these pressures and adapting to the evolving expectations of their profession. The literature reports that employees who are actively involved in organisational decisions tend to be happier and feel satisfied with their careers. Founded on the participative management theory as a democratic style of leadership in which subordinates participate in organisational decision-making and administration, the purpose of this study was achieved and consisted in elucidating the correlation between direct participation of employee in decision-making and their perceptions of CS in the realm of higher education. Through a post-positivist research paradigm and a quantitative approach, this study achieved an objective stance. Data were conveniently drawn from 293 male and female academic staff working on a contract and permanent basis in two campuses of one University of Technology in South Africa. Descriptive statistics, correlation and linear regression analyses were used to explain each construct and the relationship between both constructs. As a result of correlation analysis, employee participation was found to be a significant predictor of career satisfaction; accounting for 8 per cent of the variance in career satisfaction as per the regression analysis. Therefore, institutions should promote a more inclusive and participatory culture through open dialogue and meaningful engagement between management and employees to facilitate consensus-building by taking into account the diverse range of interests and expertise to foster CS.

Keywords: direct employee participation, decision-making, subjective career success, higher education sector, participative management theory