Job satisfaction, professionalism and personal characteristics of members of the National Coalition for Black Development in Home Economics

The primary purpose of the study was to determine the level of job satisfaction and professionalism of individuals who were members of both the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) and the National Coalition for Black Development in Home Economics (Coalition). A second purpose was to identify personal characteristics which influence job satisfaction and professionalism of the Coalition members.;The Coalition members were surveyed using the short form of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and a researcher developed Walker Job Satisfaction Scale to measure job satisfaction. A revised Hall's Professionalism Scale was adapted to determine the level of professionalism. The professionalism scale consisted of five dimensions: supporting the professional organization, public service, self-regulation, autonomy and being called to the field. Coalition members were also asked to respond to several open-ended questions to clarify their perceptions about the professional organization and to fulfill the objectives of the study.;Professionally, Coalition members appeared to be highly educated professional females who received undergraduate degrees from historically black colleges and universities. As professionals, Coalition members reported that they systematically read professional journals, make decisions in regards to work to be done, regularly attend professional meetings, and have a "calling" for their work. The members reported support for the profession and agreed "That Home Economics as a profession is indispensable.".;Coalition members' job satisfaction scores seemed to indicate that job satisfaction increased with age, and married members tended to respond differently from others. As age, education and salary increased, the level of job satisfaction increased.;Indications are that generally, Coalition members were satisfied with their jobs and working conditions. The general job satisfaction was confirmed with the one-item statement "Overall, I am satisfied with my job." A majority (82%) of the Coalition members reported they were satisfied by checking strongly agree or agree.;Individual job titles and responsibilities of Coalition members varied and members tended to belong to numerous national, regional, state and local organizations. Members listed time and money as barriers which most frequently keep individuals from participating more actively in the AAFCS. Mentoring and professional development were perceived as goals for the Coalition.;Based on the information obtained in the study, it was concluded that Coalition members tended to be highly educated professional females who received undergraduate degrees from historically black colleges and universities. Their level of job satisfaction increased as age, education and salary increased. Coalition members function as leaders within their communities and the organizations in which they hold membership and would like to see African Americans active at all levels within the AAFCS.