Public Sector Professionals: Job Characteristics, Satisfaction, and Aspirations for Intrinsic Fulfillment through Work

Abstract

Previous research on job satisfaction in government employees has not distinguished professionals from other high status groups such as managers. Professionals and blue-collar workers employed in a state government in the U.S. (N = 252) were compared in order to learn more about the quality of the professional work experience. Data on job satisfaction, task characteristics, and aspirations for intrinsic fulfillment through work were collected via a questionnaire. Results suggested that there was no difference between the two groups in job satisfaction. However, professionals rated their jobs as significantly lower in skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and knowledge of results. Professionals also believed that their jobs should provide less intrinsic fulfillment than did the blue-collar workers. It was speculated that professionals employed in government maintain minimal levels of job satisfaction despite less fulfilling jobs by reducing their aspirations for fulfillment in work.