Job Satisfaction and Perception of Social Climate in a Mental Health Facility

Abstract

21 members of a staff process group at a mental health treatment and research center were administered the Job Descriptive Index and the Work Environment Scale once a month for a 3-mo. period. A two-way analysis of variance (job satisfaction × time) was computed for each of the 10 sub-scales. The three administrations did not significantly vary on any of the dimensions, nor were significant interaction effects found. Subjects high in satisfaction significantly differed from those who scored low on the dimensions of involvement and peer cohesion, staff support, autonomy, and innovation. However, no significant differences were found on the dimensions of task orientation, work pressure, clarity, control, or physical comfort. Results were discussed in terms of the importance of the variables, relationship and responsibility, to job satisfaction in a mental health setting.