Dispositional effects on job and life satisfaction: The role of core evaluations.

Past research has suggested that dispositional sources of job satisfaction can be traced to measures of affective temperament. The present research focused on another concept, core self-evaluations, which were hypothesized to comprise self-esteem, generalized self-efficacy, locus of control, and nonneuroticism. A model hypothesized that core self-evaluations would have direct effects on job and life satisfaction. It also was hypothesized that core self-evaluations would have indirect effects on job satisfaction. Data were collected from 3 independent samples in 2 countries, using dual source methodology. Results indicated that core self-evaluations had direct and indirect effects on job and life satisfaction. The statistical and logical relationship among core evaluations, affective disposition, and satisfaction was explored. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of dysfunctional thought processes on subjective well-being and job satisfaction.

Although the dispositional approach to job satisfaction has received a good deal of recent attention, a fundamental deficiency in past dispositional research is a failure to use existing theories to explain why individuals are unhappy and dissatisfied with their jobs. E. A. Locke (1976), T. A. Judge (1992), and Judge and C. L. Hulin (in press) suggested that thinking processes should be studied in relation to job satisfaction. This study tested the thesis that the cognitive theory of depression, which focuses on individuals' thought processes, will help in understanding both subjective well-being and job satisfaction. A confirmatory model involving subjective well-being, job satisfaction, dysfunctional thought processes, and other relevant influences was hypothesized and tested by using a stratified random sample of university employees. Ratings were obtained from 2 sources to reduce single-source bias. Results indicate strong support for the overall model and for the adverse effect of dysfunctional thought processes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A longitudinal test of the influence of congruence: Job satisfaction, competency utilization, and counterproductive behavior.

The assumption that congruence between workers and jobs results in job satisfaction is fundamental to vocational theory. Evidence that person–job congruence goes with satisfaction is mixed; correlations are often too small to be of practical value. A hypothesis that interest congruence is more closely linked with job satisfaction for workers with clearly defined interests as opposed to workers with poorly defined interests is tested. Hypotheses about other consequences of person–job incongruence—counterproductive behavior, low job involvement, and turnover—also are tested in a predictive study. The hypothesis that differentiation moderates the relation between congruence and satisfaction and other hypotheses about the consequences of incongruence did not receive support, but the results do imply that congruence is a moderately efficient predictor of satisfaction when between-occupation sources of variance are excluded by the research design. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Regression analysis of three variations of the two-factor theory of job satisfaction.

Tested 3 distinct variations of the 2-factor theory by reanalyzing data previously published by L. Waters and C. Waters (see record 1970-01432-001). No support for any of these 3 frequently assumed versions was found. Results of this and several prior studies are explained by assuming the existence of 2 main effects: (a) intrinsic job factors are generally more potent for predicting overall job attitudes, and (b) overall job satisfaction is more predictable than overall job dissatisfaction. Neither effect requires the assumptions of the discontinuity of satisfaction and dissatisfaction or the assumptions of dimensional differences between intrinsic and extrinsic job factors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Relationship Between Employee Job Change and Job Satisfaction: The Honeymoon-Hangover Effect.

Recent research suggests that the turnover process is not fully captured by the traditional sequential model relating job dissatisfaction to subsequent turnover. The present study contributes to this research by modeling within-individual job satisfaction as a function of job change patterns to determine if individual work attitudes change systematically with the temporal turnover process. Specifically, the authors hypothesized that low satisfaction would precede a voluntary job change, with an increase in job satisfaction immediately following a job change (the honeymoon effect), followed by a decline in job satisfaction (the hangover effect). Though this pattern is suggested in the literature, no prior research has integrated and tested this complete temporal model within individuals. Findings based on a sample of managers supported the proposed honeymoon-hangover effect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Role perceptions, satisfaction, and performance: A partial reconciliation.

Role theory hypothesizes that role conflict and role ambiguity are negatively related to job satisfaction and performance. Results of recent research indicate, however, that role conflict and role ambiguity are not always negatively related to job satisfaction and performance: Sometimes no relationships are found. The present study used a rationale suggested by previous research and role theory to reconcile the inconsistent results of previous research. Data were obtained from 331 questionnaires completed by employees of a large manufacturing firm. The rationale for reconciliation was based upon the organization level of the employee. Role ambiguity was hypothesized to have a greater negative relationship than role conflict with job satisfaction and performance for employees at higher levels in an organization. Conversely, role conflict was hypothesized to have a greater negative relationship than role ambiguity with job satisfaction and performance for employees at lower levels in an organization. Results support the hypothesized relationships with job satisfaction but not with performance. The lack of support for the performance hypotheses is discussed in terms of an ability-adaptability phenomenon. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of job enrichment and task goals on satisfaction and productivity: Implications for job design.

A 2-phase research project investigated the effects of job enrichment and goal setting on employee productivity and satisfaction in a well-controlled, simulated job environment. In the 1st phase, 2 conditions of goal setting (assigned goals vs no goals) and 2 conditions of job enrichment (enriched vs unenriched) were established, producing 4 experimental conditions in which 42 part-time workers took part. Job enrichment had a substantial impact on job satisfaction but little effect on productivity. Goal setting, on the other hand, had a major impact on productivity and a less substantial impact on satisfaction. In the 2nd phase (after 2 days' work), Ss with unenriched jobs worked under the enrichment conditions and Ss originally without goals were assigned goals. Again, job enrichment had a positive effect on job satisfaction, while goal setting had a positive effect on performance. Results are discussed in terms of the current theoretical approaches for understanding employee motivation on the job. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Predicting sales performance, job satisfaction, and depression by using the Achievement Strivings and Impatience-Irritability dimensions of Type A behavior.

Recent research suggested that two dimensions of Type A behavior, namely, Achievement Strivings (AS) and Impatience-Irritability (II), differentially predict physical health and performance outcomes. The present study extends this research and examines whether AS and II differentially predict work performance (number of insurance policies sold), work attitudes (job satisfaction), and depression in a sample of 117 life insurance salespersons. As hypothesized, after statistically controlling for relevant biographical variables and II, AS predicted the number of policies sold and job satisfaction but was not related to depression. After partialing out the effect of relevant biographical variables and AS, II was associated with depression but not with the number of policies sold. In addition, controlling for the same variables, II was negatively associated with job satisfaction. Implications for the prediction of sales performance, job satisfaction, and depression, and interventions designed to decrease the negative consequences of Type A by reducing II but not AS, are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On Locke's "Revision" of "Job satisfaction reconsidered."

Responds to comments by E. A. Locke (1978) on W. R. Nord's (see record 1978-30586-001) discussion of assumptions underlying job satisfaction research. Locke's comments are said to be a distortion of the original article; however, issues raised by Locke's comments are discussed, including the attention given to the extrinsic reward of pay. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An opponent process theory of job satisfaction.

Considers the role of job satisfaction in research and theory in the area of industrial and organizational psychology. Job satisfaction seems to occupy a position as the hedonic or affective component in theories of motivation. In spite of its importance, little theory is available for understanding the affective state represented by the concept of job satisfaction. Opponent process theory is suggested as a reasonable deductive statement for a consideration of the phenomenon of satisfaction. The theory proposes that every excursion from hedonic neutrality is accompanied by an attempt to bring the excursion back within "normal" limits. This return to normal is accomplished via an opponent process. The theory further suggests that the opponent process grows in strength with use. The theory is applied to some current questions regarding the relationship between job satisfaction and work motivation. The major parameters of the theory are represented by a series of research hypotheses and corollaries. (42 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological well-being and job satisfaction as predictors of job performance.

The happy–productive worker hypothesis has most often been examined in organizational research by correlating job satisfaction to performance. Recent research has expanded this to include measures of psychological well-being. However, to date, no field research has provided a comparative test of the relative contribution of job satisfaction and psychological well-being as predictors of employee performance. The authors report 2 field studies that, taken together, provide an opportunity to simultaneously examine the relative contribution of psychological well-being and job satisfaction to job performance. In Study 1, psychological well-being, but not job satisfaction, was predictive of job performance for 47 human services workers. These findings were replicated in Study 2 for 37 juvenile probation officers. These findings are discussed in terms of research on the happy–productive worker hypothesis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Field independence and articulation of sources of job satisfaction.

Hypothesized that analytic (field independent) and global (field dependent) perceivers would differ in their ability to differentiate among intrinsic and extrinsic sources of job satisfaction. Ss were 96 civil service supervisors who completed a Group Embedded Figures Test and the Wernimont job-satisfaction questionnaire. Results show that for global perceivers intrinsic and extrinsic satisfactions correlated substantially with each other and with overall job satisfaction while for analytical perceivers intrinsic and extrinsic satisfactions were independent and, as expected, only intrinsic satisfaction correlated with overall job satisfaction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Antecedents of salesmen's compensation perceptions: A path analysis interpretation.

Selected antecedents of the valence of pay and the instrumentality of performance for pay were combined into an integrative framework and investigated in a study of 92 male life insurance agents (age range 21–67 yrs). Drawing on 2 models proposed by E. E. Lawler, it was hypothesized that valence would be a function of age, job level, income, pay satisfaction, and commission pay plan, while instrumentality perceptions would be a function of tenure, commission plan, and valence. Data were obtained from company sources and from a job-attitudes questionnaire. A path analytic investigation of the hypothesized linkages suggested that a more parsimonious model of pay perception determinants may be adequate. Specifically, valence was found to be independently and negatively related only to age and pay satisfaction, while instrumentality was a positive function of valence and a negative function of tenure. In addition, pay satisfaction was positively related to age and income and inversely related to job level. Implications of the suggested model are discussed in view of current practice. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The role of person-environment fit in the job satisfaction and tenure intentions of African American employees.

In light of speculation that the determinants of job satisfaction and tenure for African American employees may not be adequately captured by the theory of work adjustment (TWA; Dawis & Lofquist, 1984), in the present study the authors tested assumptions of the TWA with an African American sample by (a) examining the strength of fit-satisfaction and fit-turnover intentions relationships, (b) testing the ability of racial climate to moderate the fit-satisfaction and fit-turnover intentions relationships, (c) analyzing qualitative data related to the determinants of job satisfaction, and (d) investigating potential differences in the fit-satisfaction and fit-turnover intentions relationships for African Americans and European Americans. Self-report data were collected from African American employees (n = 204) that assessed fit perceptions, departmental racial climate, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions. African American employees' reports of fit perceptions explained variance in job satisfaction (43.20%) and turnover intentions (20.20%); however, racial climate did not emerge as a moderator. Qualitative results supported these findings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Intermediate linkages in the relationship between job satisfaction and employee turnover.

The relationship between job satisfaction and turnover is significant and consistent, but not particularly strong. A more complete understanding of the psychology of the withdrawal decision process requires investigation beyond the replication of the satisfaction–turnover relationship. Toward this end, a heuristic model of the employee withdrawal decision process, which identifies possible intermediate linkages in the satisfaction–turnover relationship, is presented. Previous studies relevant to the hypothesized linkages are cited, and possible avenues of research are suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effectiveness of the direct product versus confirmatory factor model for reflecting the structure of multimethod-multirater job performance data.

Most job-related decisions are based on information concerning the nature or structure of work. For example, the extent to which certain aspects of the job are separable and critical for successful performance often serve as inputs to an organization's performance management and compensation systems. Because the information needs to be as veridical as possible, it is common to have this information provided on multiple perspectives of the job and from multiple sources. This multimethod-multirater structuring of job data is typically analyzed to determine such things as convergent and discriminant validity. It is imperative that the user select the correct model for these analyses, as each approach makes very different assumptions about the composition of the data. The authors describe the 2 most common approaches—the additive and direct product models. Data from 7 different jobs are analyzed. The researchers argue the direct product model provides a better representation of the data. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Genetic and environmental influences on perceptions of organizational climate.

Assessed genetic and environmental influences on perceptions of organizational climate by using a 4-group twin design. Data were obtained as part of the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging. The Work Environment Scale (WES) was used to evaluate perceptions of organizational climate. A measure of job satisfaction was also used to evaluate the effects of genes and environments on job attitudes. Maximum likelihood estimates of genetic and environmental influence suggested significant genetic effects for Supportive Climate, 1 factor resulting from a factor analysis of the WES, but not for a 2nd factor, Time Pressure. Significant environmental effects were found for both Supportive Climate and Time Pressure. Genetic effects were not significant for job satisfaction. The relevance of findings to organizational climate research and personnel selection are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparison of the stress–strain process for business owners and nonowners: Differences in job demands, emotional exhaustion, satisfaction, and social support.

One hundred sixty licensed morticians were surveyed to examine differences among business owners, managers, and employees on the relations proposed by G. F. Koeske and R. D. Koeske's (1993) stressor-strain-outcome model. Forty-eight percent of the morticians were owners, 16% were managers, and 36% were employees. Owners had less social support from work-related sources and perceived lower levels of role ambiguity and role conflict, less emotional exhaustion, and higher levels of job satisfaction and professional satisfaction than did nonowners. Social support from work-related sources and ownership each moderated the relationship between emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction but not between emotional exhaustion and professional satisfaction. Emotional exhaustion partially mediated the effect of stressors on job satisfaction and professional satisfaction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Job satisfaction and job performance: A meta-analysis.

Coded 9 variables in a meta-analysis of 74 empirical studies of job satisfaction–job performance. Aggregated studies had an S sample size of 12,192 and 217 satisfaction–performance correlations. Findings show that (1) the best estimate of the true population correlation between satisfaction and performance was relatively low (.17); (2) much of the variability in results obtained in previously research was due to the use of small sample sizes, while unreliable measurement of the satisfaction and performance constructs has contributed relatively little to this observed variability in correlations; and (3) the 9 variables coded (composite vs unidimensional criteria, longitudinal vs cross-sectional measurement of performance relative to satisfaction, the nature of the performance measure, self-reports vs other sources, use of specific performance measures, subjectivity or objectivity of measures, specific-facet satisfaction vs global satisfaction, well-documented vs researcher-developed measurement, and white-collar vs blue-collar) were only modestly related to the magnitude of the satisfaction–performance correlation. (3 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)