¶ … Individual

What is the relationship between individual characteristics and job satisfaction?

Individual characteristics, or sometimes referred to as attitudes or behavior, are related to job satisfaction in the sense that they help in defining the goal of an individual within his job. Such goals, defining by the way of how they are achieved, can be used in turn as measures in defining job satisfaction.

The differing characteristics of individuals affect their job satisfaction. For instance, there are those who are positive thinkers and goal achievers, in that despite of the challenges in their job, they remain optimistic. This then causes them not to feel too many negative views about their jobs. Thus, when asked to rate the level of their job satisfaction, they are most likely to say that they are satisfied. On the other hand, there are those who have low fighting spirit. When faced by challenges, they easily give up causing them to decrease their interest in their job.

How do different job characteristics affect employee satisfaction?

It is a fact that almost all employees consider a job or two that they call ideal. Such idealness of a job is based on the job's characteristics. For instance, an employee who is a goal and challenge-seeker, and aspires to have a continuous improvement in his skills, will definitely feel satisfied if his job presents him with enough challenges that can help him achieve his career objectives. Otherwise, if he will be put in a job where there is a little opportunity for him to grow in terms of his skills and knowledge, he may feel unsatisfied with his job. Another example is a job that is not based on an employee's expertise. An individual whose interest is in line of computers, who graduated from a computer course, and was placed in a job that creates computer software will most likely feel satisfied with his job.

Bibliography

Managing Job Satisfaction.

Retrieved on 30 Nov 2004, from Bavendam Online.

Web site: http://www.employeesatisfactions.com/

Attitude Defined.

Retrieved on 30 Nov 2004, from EIES Online.

Web site: http://eies.njit.edu/~rotter/courses / hrm301/lecturenotes/hrm301-6.ppt