EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG EMPLOYEES OF PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE CREDIT SOCIETIES IN CUDDALORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

Abstract

Employee engagement is an important factor in improving employee performance, organisational effectiveness and job satisfaction. Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies (PACCS) play an important role in providing credit and financial services to the agricultural community, and the engagement and satisfaction of their employees are essential for effective service delivery. The present study explores the relationship between employee engagement and job satisfaction among employees of PACCS in Tamil Nadu, with Cuddalore District selected as the study area. Primary data were collected from 428 employees using a structured questionnaire. Employee engagement was assessed through 57 variables using a five-point Likert scale. Factor analysis grouped these variables into ten dimensions: Agility in Work, Dedication, Absorption, Discretionary Effort, Team Engagement, Initiative and Learning, Participation, Recognition and Motivation, Organisational Commitment and Member Commitment. The findings indicate that the overall level of employee engagement was moderate, with a mean score of 3.36, while Recognition and Motivation recorded the highest mean score of 3.77. The overall level of job satisfaction was 3.57, with Work-Life Balance recording the highest score of 3.95 and Salary and Financial Benefits the lowest at 3.11. Regression analysis showed that employee engagement significantly contributed to job satisfaction, with the ten engagement dimensions collectively explaining 38.2% of its variation. Initiative and Learning and Agility in Work showed relatively stronger contributions. The study highlights the need for PACCS to strengthen employee development, recognition, motivation and participation to enhance job satisfaction and organisational effectiveness.