Job Characteristics, Alienation, and Work-Related Behavior: A Study of Professional Employees

Abstract

This study examines relationships between job characteristics, alienation from work, and work-related behavior for a group of professional-level technical and managerial employees of a large manufacturing firm. Results indicate a lack of significant relationships between the nature of jobs and experienced work alienation. However, a broad pattern of relationships exists between alienation from work and measures of work-related behavior. Overall, results suggest that the individual value of organizational success may moderate relationships between job characteristics and experienced alienation. Organizational success appears to be especially important to professional-level employees.