The art and science of job satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to review current information and research concerning job satisfaction in the workplace. It also provides a brief overview of what is generally and currently known about job satisfaction, personality and job satisfaction and workplace influences on job satisfaction and offers suggestions for practitioners. Design/methodology/approach – It examines a large sample of research and opinion from the past several years. Findings – It reveals that there is much empirical research about individual job satisfaction, a considerable amount of which is situation-specific. Generalizations concerning research findings are difficult. There is, however, much reported data and statistics that give indications of why employees find satisfaction with work, colleagues and the organization. This information may provide some practical guidance for practitioners. Practical implications – It gives a broad overview and summary of recent research and opinion on job satisfaction that is not readily available in other sources. Social implications – It advises that, other things being equal, organizations should aim to recruit employees who are somewhat extraverted, conscientious, expressive of a belief in their skills and who demonstrate a positive disposition. Originality/value – It provides current information that may guide practice and policy development.