A note on the relationship between affect(ivity) and differing conceptualizations of job satisfaction: Some unexpected meta-analytic findings

A diary study on the moderating role of leader-member exchange on the relationship between job characteristics, job satisfaction, and emotional exhaustion

Job characteristics play an essential role for the well-being of employees. When job characteristics are unfavorable, the experienced exchange relationship with one’s supervisor (i.e., leader-member exchange, LMX) may become relevant to weaken negative consequences. We conducted a diary study over ten consecutive working days with 112 academics. Based on conservation of resources theory, we assumed that daily LMX constitutes a resource for employees that moderates the link between job characteristics (job control and time pressure) and job satisfaction as well as emotional exhaustion. Additionally, we proposed lagged-effects of morning job characteristics and LMX on next-day morning job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion. Findings from hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) demonstrated that on the day-level higher perceived levels of job control in the morning were associated with higher perceived job satisfaction and lower perceived emotional exhaustion in the afternoon. The experience of increased time pressure in the morning was negatively related to perceived day-level afternoon job satisfaction and positively to perceived day-level afternoon emotional exhaustion. Within one day, perceived LMX moderated the relationship between perceived job control and perceived job satisfaction in the afternoon. We only found lagged effects of the interaction between afternoon job control and afternoon LMX on next-day morning job satisfaction. We discuss daily LMX as a resource for employees both within one day and from day-to day, along with future research directions on the buffering role of LMX.

Usability, user experience and accessibility: towards an integrative model

Within the field of ergonomics, the concepts of usability, user experience and accessibility have played an increasingly important role. The present paper examined the meaning of these concepts and their relationship to each other, which included an analysis of the definitions, methods, and typical outcome measures employed. Despite some concerns in the literature about the utility of usability, user experience and accessibility as umbrella terms, we provide arguments for their continued use. The article proposes how the three concepts and their different perspectives can be integrated. We propose the term 'interaction experience' (IX) as a higher-level concept. Due to the multi-facetted nature of umbrella concepts, we suggest using spider charts as a means to report the results of evaluating artefacts with regard to usability, user experience and accessibility. Practitioner Summary: A better integration of the concepts of usability, user experience and accessibility is expected to provide some benefits to practitioners. We propose employing spider charts for reporting the outcome of artefact evaluations regarding the three concepts. This may help practitioners interpret the characteristics of a device at a glance. Abbreviations: IX: interaction experience; UX: user experience; ISO: International Standard Organisation.

Psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Job Life Scale in Portuguese workers: A systematic study based on the IRT and CFA modeling

Job satisfaction is related to better physical and mental health, as well as to factors specifically related to work. In this context, the measurement of work satisfaction is important for organizations that profess an interest in engaged and satisfied workers. Therefore, this study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Job Life Scale (SWJLS) in Portuguese workers by combining the procedures of the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and the Item Response Theory (IRT). Specifically, internal structure of the scale was studied, its reliability (consistency), correlations with other measures of wellbeing (life satisfaction, loneliness, emotional wellbeing at work, and job satisfaction) were also estimated, and finally, the sacle waqs tested for gender measurement invariance. Participants were 404 workers, 61% women and 39% men, aged between 18 and 64 years (M = 36.85; SD = 14.50). Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that the one-dimensional model of the SWJLS was adequate (Robust χ²(5) = 9.89, p = .078; CFI = .993; RMSEA = .049, 90% CI [.000 - .094]; SRMR = .011.) and had good internal consistency (ω = .947, 95% CI [.936, 956]; α = .947, 95% CI [.935, .955]). Subsequent analyses revealed that the scores of the SWJLS were related to other measures of job satisfaction (r = .742), job-related emotional well-being (r = .628), satisfaction with life (r = .808) and loneliness (r = -.455). Factorial invariance suggests that the structure of the SWJLS measures the same construct (satisfaction with work-life) in both female and male workers. Moreover, IRT analysis suggests that higher levels of work-life satisfaction are needed to choose the upper response options, while a very low level of work-life satisfaction is required to increase the likelihood of choosing the lower response options. In this sense, the SWJLS is useful and reliable, especially for identifying people with low levels of job satisfaction. These findings support the validity of the SWJLS and indicate that the Portuguese version is a brief instrument with good psychometric characteristics for measuring work-life satisfaction.

The promise of open survey questions-The validation of text-based job satisfaction measures

Recent advances in computer-aided text analysis (CATA) have allowed organizational scientists to construct reliable and convenient measures from open texts. As yet, there is a lack of research into using CATA to analyze responses to open survey questions and constructing text-based measures of psychological constructs. In our study, we demonstrated the potential of CATA methods for the construction of text-based job satisfaction measures based on responses to a completely open and semi-open question. To do this, we employed three sentiment analysis techniques: Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015, SentimentR and SentiStrength, and quantified the forms of measurement error they introduced: specific factor error, algorithm error and transient error. We conducted an initial test of the text-based measures’ validity, assessing their convergence with closed-question job satisfaction measures. We adopted a time-lagged survey design (N_{wave 1} = 996; N_{wave 2} = 116) to test our hypotheses. In line with our hypotheses, we found that specific factor error is higher in the open question text-based measure than in the semi-open question text-based measure. As expected, algorithm error was substantial for both the open and semi-open question text-based measures. Transient error in the text-based measures was higher than expected, as it generally exceeded the transient error in the human-coded and the closed job satisfaction question measures. Our initial test of convergent and discriminant validity indicated that the semi-open question text-based measure is especially suitable for measuring job satisfaction. Our article ends with a discussion of limitations and an agenda for future research.

Job satisfaction in the global MNE: does distance matter?

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the relative institutional distance of the subsidiary from the multinational enterprise (MNE) headquarters influences job satisfaction in the subsidiary. The authors argue that job satisfaction in the MNE subsidiary will be influenced by the institutional distance between the firm’s home (headquarter) and host (subsidiary) countries, such that the greater the institutional distance, the less satisfied the subsidiary employees. The authors also argue that the degree of function interdependence (global vs local roles) will moderate this relationship, such that high interdependence will result in lower job satisfaction as distance increases.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from a global high-tech Canadian MNE, consisting of over 15,000 employees located in 19 subsidiaries, the research undertakes an empirical investigation that identifies if and how job satisfaction varies between countries and tests the influence of subsidiary-level institutional distance from the headquarters on subsidiary-level job satisfaction, using a multilevel model.

Findings

The results demonstrate that subsidiary distance from the headquarters has a complex effect on subsidiary-level job satisfaction; in some distances, no effect is found, while in others, either some or all job satisfaction facets are affected (depending on the distance and facet) in both positive and negative ways. Unlike much of the past research on distance, which has treated distance as a barrier to be overcome or reduce (Stahl et al., 2016), the paper’s finding demonstrate that “negative” distance operates independently (and at varying strengths and significance) than “positive” distance, due to underlying mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

There is a real opportunity to push ahead on linking international business strategy research with organizational theory and organizational behavior research. To do so, it requires not only a positive organizational scholarship approach (Stahl et al., 2016) but also methods that will allow researchers to study the influence of distance on mechanisms and processes, as opposed to stand-alone variables. The authors therefore suggest that future work in this area pursue qualitative methods as called for by Chapman et al. (2008).

Practical implications

Findings are surprising, in that results vary across job facets and distances. Practitioners need to therefore focus on the mechanisms that influence job satisfaction, not just differences and their potential negative impact.

Originality/value

The firm-level study provides a rich perspective on the complex way in which country-level differences influence subsidiary-level job satisfaction.

A Daily Diary Study on the Consequences of Networking on Employees' Career-Related Outcomes: The Mediating Role of Positive Affect

Although researchers have shown that networking is positively associated with numerous long-term outcomes (e. g., salary, promotion) investigations of proximal outcomes of networking are still scarce. Building on Conservation of Resources theory (COR; Hobfoll, 2001, 2011) and conducting a daily diary study over five consecutive working days (N = 160 academics), we investigated short-term effects of networking on employees' career-related outcomes (i.e., career optimism and career satisfaction), job attitudes (i.e., job satisfaction), and well-being (i.e., emotional exhaustion). Further, we suggested that positive affect would act as a mediator. Results from hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) showed that daily networking relates to all four outcome variables. Moreover, positive affect mediated three of four hypothesized relationships, with a marginally significant effect for career satisfaction. By providing evidence for valuable short-term benefits of networking, our study extends existing research on positive long-term effects (for example on salary, promotions). Findings broaden the scope by integrating networking research with a positive organizational behavior perspective. We discuss practical implications with regard to career intervention strategies, study limitations, and prospects for future research.

Contextualizing Interest Scales With Emojis: Implications for Measurement and Validity

The affective nature of emojis makes them suited for anchoring scales to measure the affective preferences of vocational interest. In Study 1, we conducted a content analysis to identify the five images that best represent a bipolar continuum from strongly like to strongly dislike. In Study 2, we compared the psychometric properties of traditional lexical anchors to those of the emoji anchors identified in Study 1 and tested the predictive validity of emoji-anchored scales. Results show emoji-anchored scales possess similar psychometric properties as lexical-anchored scales. Importantly, the interest-fit using contextualized emoji scales predicts job satisfaction better compared to lexical scales ( remoji (226) = .41 versus rlexical (226) = .13). Overall, this article (1) provides researchers with a validated public-domain emoji anchors, (2) demonstrates that emoji anchors possess the same the robust psychometric properties as lexical anchors, and (3) illustrates how emoji-anchored scales can be potentially better for measuring vocational interests.

Emotional Exhaustion and Job Satisfaction in Airport Security Officers - Work-Family Conflict as Mediator in the Job Demands-Resources Model

The growing threat of terrorism has increased the importance of aviation security and the work of airport security officers (screeners). Nonetheless, airport security research has yet to focus on emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction as major determinants of screeners’ job performance. The present study bridges this research gap by applying the job demands–resources (JD–R) model and using work–family conflict (WFC) as an intervening variable to study relationships between work characteristics (workload and supervisor support), emotional exhaustion, and job satisfaction in 1,127 screeners at a European airport. Results of structural equation modeling revealed that (a) supervisor support as a major job resource predicted job satisfaction among screeners; (b) workload as a major job demand predicted their emotional exhaustion; and (c) WFC proved to be a promising extension to the JD–R model that partially mediated the impact of supervisor support and workload on job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

An Attitude Strength and Self-Perception Framework Regarding the Bi-directional Relationship of Job Satisfaction with Extra-Role and In-Role Behavior: The Doubly Moderating Role of Work Centrality

Studies have identified variables either moderating the extent to which job satisfaction predicts work behavior or moderating the reverse impact of work behavior on job satisfaction. Based on an attitude strength and self-perception framework, we argue that certain variables may moderate both the predictive utility of job satisfaction for work behavior and the impact of work behavior on job satisfaction. Specifically focusing on work centrality, we hold that high work centrality renders job satisfaction a strong job attitude, whereas low work centrality renders job satisfaction a weak job attitude. Hence, the predictive utility of job satisfaction for both extra-role behavior and in-role behavior should be higher the more work is central to employees. In contrast, the influence of extra-role behavior, but not of in-role behavior, on job satisfaction should be higher the less work is central to employees. Results of a two-wave study (N = 176) were in line with these predictions. We discuss further variables that may play a similar role for the bi-directional relationship between job satisfaction and work behavior.

Job satisfaction in the multicultural environment of multinational corporations

Purpose

– Since prior research into the effects of multiculturalism on job satisfaction in multinational corporations (MNCs) is rather scant and inconclusive, the purpose of this paper is to review the literature and explain why these results are inconsistent as well as propose a new model aimed at responding to these irregularities.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the narrative review of the prior research and the proposed model the authors discuss how multicultural settings influence job satisfaction. A Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS) lens is applied to the model.

Findings

– The effect of multiculturalism on job satisfaction is inconsistent, i.e. the authors concluded that multiculturalism may be positively related to the cognitive component, yet it appears to be negatively associated with the affective one. By applying a POS lens, the proposed model broadens the view on job satisfaction and its links with multiculturalism.

Practical implications

– The authors’ model suggests that managers in MNCs should both enhance employees’ positive attitudes towards their job as well as foster positive emotions at work. They should exhibit more concern for employees’ affective states and how they affect cross-cultural interactions. Managers of MNCs need to boost thriving as it benefits both employees themselves and their organizations.

Social implications

– Since today’s societies are becoming more and more multicultural, there is a need to increase individuals’ awareness of plausible positive outcomes flowing from multiculturalism, exchange views and experience among diverse individuals and ensure the conditions in which individuals can thrive.

Originality/value

– By applying a POS lens to the analysis, the authors attempt to intertwine the positives experienced at work that appear to be associated with MNCs’ multicultural settings, namely job satisfaction and emotional balance. The results may contribute to the literature on job satisfaction in MNCs with regard to multiculturalism.

Employee subjective well-being and physiological functioning: An integrative model

Research shows that worker subjective well-being influences physiological functioning-an early signal of poor health outcomes. While several theoretical perspectives provide insights on this relationship, the literature lacks an integrative framework explaining the relationship. We develop a conceptual model explaining the link between subjective well-being and physiological functioning in the context of work. Integrating positive psychology and occupational stress perspectives, our model explains the relationship between subjective well-being and physiological functioning as a result of the direct influence of subjective well-being on physiological functioning and of their common relationships with work stress and personal resources, both of which are influenced by job conditions.

Push and Pull Motivations for Quitting

We report a new analysis of data from a multi-year study, some of which were previously published in the current journal. A longitudinal sample of 380 computer specialists was followed over two years, yielding three measures each of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intentions, as well as actual turnover, and reasons for leaving, at Times 2 and 3. Career paths were more diverse than the classical distinction between stayers and leavers implies. Furthermore, although the largest single group of leavers cited “push” reasons, conforming to the classical withdrawal model, a sizable number were attracted to another job (“pull motivation”). In a three-wave structural equation model, job (dis)satisfaction predicted turnover, while organizational commitment exerted its influence only via its association with job satisfaction. As expected, however, attitudes predicted turnover only for participants with push motivation. Quitting, in turn, predicted an improvement in both satisfaction and commitment, indicating that it paid off for the individual. The necessity to study consequences of turnover and to distinguish between different subgroups of stayers and leavers is emphasized.

Changes in Leadership Behaviors Predict Changes in Job Satisfaction and Well-Being in Low-Skilled Workers

The purpose of this longitudinal study of 255 members of the low-skilled workforce was to enhance insight into the nature of the relations between specific supervisor behavior (social support, positive feedback, task-related communication) and employee well-being. Data were analyzed using latent change models focusing on interindividual change and change–change associations over time. Our results indicated that interindividual differences in the intraindividual change in perceived supervisor behavior were related to changes in indicators of well-being across a 6-month period. These results provide further evidence for longitudinal associations between leader behavior and employee outcomes as well as the necessity of designing specific interventions for low-level managers.

Formen der Arbeitszufriedenheit

Das Arbeitszufriedenheitsmodell von Bruggemann (1974) unterscheidet verschiedene Formen der Arbeits(un‐)zufriedenheit (AZ-Formen). In zwei Studien (N = 309 Universitätsbeschäftigte; N = 275 Krankenpflegekräfte) wurden die Validität der Methode der Selbstzuordnung zu einer der AZ-Formen (stabilisierte Zufriedenheit, progressive Zufriedenheit, resignative Zufriedenheit, konstruktive Unzufriedenheit, fixierte Unzufriedenheit) sowie Unterschiede zwischen den AZ-Formen bezüglich der Valenz der Arbeit, der arbeitsbezogenen Ambivalenz, der dispositionalen Affektivität und der Arbeitssituation überprüft. Modellkonforme Unterschiede zwischen den AZ-Formen hinsichtlich der Arbeitszufriedenheit und des Ausmaßes an Resignation ( Baillod & Semmer, 1994 ) belegen die Validität der Selbstzuordnungsmethode. Außerdem unterschieden sich die AZ-Formen hinsichtlich verschiedener Indikatoren der Valenz der Arbeit (positive versus negative Bewertungen, Emotionen und Kognitionen) und der arbeitsbezogenen Ambivalenz hypothesenkonform. Schließlich sprechen Befunde zur dispositionalen positiven versus negativen Affektivität und der Arbeitssituation für den Einfluss dieser Faktoren auf das Ergebnis des im Modell postulierten Soll-Ist-Vergleichs. Wir diskutieren die Implikationen dieser Ergebnisse für die Forschung zum Arbeitszufriedenheitsmodell von Bruggemann (1974) .

The Role of Job Satisfaction, Job Ambivalence, and Emotions at Work in Predicting Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Various mostly cross-sectional studies have established that job satisfaction is related to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). A major goal of the present study was to show that job ambivalence (i.e., the coexistence of positive and negative job evaluations) moderates the job satisfaction-OCB relationship. To this end, job satisfaction, job ambivalence, frequency of positive and negative emotions at work, dispositional positive and negative affectivity, and OCB were gathered from employees at time 1. About 2 months later, OCB was assessed by both peer-ratings and self-ratings. As predicted, the relationship between job satisfaction and both peer-rated and self-rated OCB was stronger the lower the experienced job ambivalence. Further findings showed that job satisfaction mediated the relationship between positive emotions and OCB, and that this indirect effect of positive emotions was conditional on low job ambivalence. Negative emotions, though negatively related to OCB, did not contribute to predicting OCB beyond positive emotions.

On the Intra- and Interindividual Differences in the Meaning of Smileys

There is increasing evidence that the Faces Scale is more sensitive to the emotional component of job satisfaction than other scales. This study investigated underlying processes and tested whether state affect and neuroticism covary with respondents’ evaluations of each face’s meaning. Seventy-five participants repeatedly judged single schematic faces as looking satisfied or unsatisfied. Participants made 11,025 two-alternative, forced-choice judgments about a variety of eleven faces. Results showed that faces appeared more satisfied to those who reported good mood and lower neuroticism (assimilation effect). In addition, there was a significant range effect of scale composition: In a range including five smiling faces, a face showing a mild smile was more often judged as looking unsatisfied than in a range including five frowning faces. Moreover, a significant interaction between range and neuroticism indicated stronger range effects in those participants who reported higher neuroticism than others. The implications for the use of the Faces Scale in work and organizational psychology are discussed.

Managers’ Trait Emotional Intelligence and Group Outcomes: The Case of Group Job Satisfaction

The purpose of this study is to extend the emerging literature on the effects of managers’ emotional skills on group outcomes. Specifically, the authors propose and test a theoretical model that examines impact of managers’ trait emotional intelligence (EI) on group job satisfaction. Data are based on middle managers and their immediate team members from public service organizations. Results, using Bayesian path analysis, indicate that middle managers’ trait EI has a significant indirect effect on group job satisfaction via group evaluative judgment toward manager’s trait EI. Results advance the emerging literature on the effects of team leader EI on group dynamics in the context where the manager holds legitimate authority.