Job Satisfaction

Definition:
Job satisfaction is defined as the amount of overall positive effect or feeling that individuals have towards their jobs

Determinants of Job Satisfaction

Equitable reward Working condition Opportunity for Promotion Nature of Supervision Nature of work group Nature of Job Employee Morale

1. Equitable reward
Equitable salary, rewards, incentives play a significant role in influencing job satisfaction. This is because of two reasons i) ii) Money, reward are important instruments in fulfilling ones needs, wants. Employees often see pay as a reflection of managements concern for them (Or)

The type of linkage that is provided between job performance and rewards determines the degree of job satisfaction. If the reward is perceived to be based on job performance and equitable, it offers higher satisfaction. If the reward is not equitable to job performance, it affects job satisfaction adversely.

2. Working condition
Working conditions, particularly physical work environment, like conditions of work place and associated facilities for performing the job determines job satisfaction. These works in two ways 1. These provides means for job performance 2. Provision of these conditions affects the individuals perception about the organization.

If these factors are favourable, individuals experience higher level of Job satisfaction.

3. Opportunity for promotion

The opportunity for promotion in a job is also a determinant of job satisfaction. If the job offers opportunity of promotion in future it provides more satisfaction. The desire for promotion is generally strong among employees as it involves change in job content, pay, responsibility, independence, status and the like. Eg: An average employee in a typical government organization can hope to get two or three promotions in his entire service, though chances of promotion are better in Private sector. It is no surprise that the employee takes promotion as the ultimate achievement in his career and when it is realized, he feels extremely satisfied.

4. Nature of Supervision
There is a positive relationship between the quality of supervision and job satisfaction. Supervisors who establish a supportive personal relationship with subordinates and take a personal interest in them contribute to their employee satisfaction. The supervisory roles (actions) in creating satisfaction and maintaining satisfaction are i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii) Maintain open lines of communication Create a good physical environment Remedy substandard conditions Transfer discontented employees Change the perception of dissatisfied employees Display concern for employees Give ample recognition

viii) ix) x)

Allow for participative management Practice good management Conduct morale building programmes

In job-oriented supervision, there is a more emphasis on the performance of the job and people become secondary. This situation decreases job satisfaction.

5. Nature of Work group

The work group is a stronger source of satisfaction when members have similar attitudes and values. Having people around with similar attitudes causes less friction on a day-to-day basis. Co-workers with similar attitudes and values can also provide some confirmation of a persons self-concept. We are ok & you are ok If such groups are cohesive, the degree of satisfaction is high. If the group is not cohesive, job satisfaction is low. In a cohesive group, people derive satisfaction out of their interpersonal interaction and workplace becomes satisfying leading to job satisfaction.

6. Nature of Job
Most employees crave intellectual challenges on jobs. They tend to prefer being given opportunities to use their skills and abilities and being offered a variety of tasks, freedom, and feedback on how well they are doing. These characteristics make jobs mentally challenging. Jobs that have too little challenge create boredom; too much challenge creates frustration and feeling of failure. Under conditions of moderate challenge employee experience pleasure and satisfaction.

7. Employee Morale
Employee morale deals with the attitude of the employees among them and with the groups. The attitude of employees should be good enough to have job satisfaction.