An exploratory study on the impact of workplace conditions on truck drivers’ job satisfaction within Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

This study’s aim is to explore the phenomena of workplace conditions that truck drivers are subject to and their impact on truck drivers’ job satisfaction. Workplace conditions highlighted in this research are: working hours, pay and stress. This study utilised a qualitative research design as the aim was to gain an in-depth understanding of its participants, truck drivers, behaviour and perceptions. Qualitative research deals with interpretive data, interpretive data is subjective in nature. The researcher utilised in-depth interviews with semi-structured, open-ended questions to collect data. Three participants were interviewed in this study. Data collected was categorised into themes, interpreted and utilised to support or oppose existing literature. Findings from the data collected aligned with the theoretical foundation of this study, Herzberg’s two-factor theory, as it supported the premise that hygiene factors such as, workplace conditions, impact job satisfaction. Truck drivers’ job satisfaction was negatively impacted by their poor workplace conditions. The researcher gave possible solutions to improve truck drivers’ current workplace conditions.