Individual and Occupational Determinants of Job Satisfaction

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of job satisfaction for male and female workers. There is strong evidence of a direct connection between day-to-day job conditions and workers' satisjaction, regardless of gender. Furthermore, causal models demonstrate that the effect ofjob conditions on job satisfaction is not the result of selective entry of workers into particular occupations or people adjusting performance on the job according to current satisfaction with their work. Although both men and women evaluate their jobs in terms of the immediate work environment, there are differences m the particular job conditions that influence their assessments. Some of these differences can be related to individual work values that may alter the subjective nature of work experiences. However, the nature of particular jobs and potential sources of gratification also suggest explanations for differential reactions to specific job conditions.