A Correlational Study of the Extrinsic Variables That Influence Job Satisfaction in Social Services Workers

• Main Author: Cauthen, Delores B
• Format: Others
• Published: ScholarWorks 1993
• Online Access: http://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18; http://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=dissertations

This correlational study examined the job satisfaction of seventy eight social service workers in a small unit of a large bureaucratic agency of the Department of Social Services. Extrinsic factors (education, job level, and organizational tenure) were correlated with job satisfaction. Job satisfaction was measured by the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. The results yielded three scores: intrinsic, extrinsic, and general satisfaction. Pearson's and Spearman's correlations were used. Intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction were found to be moderately correlated (r=.40). Although the employees' intrinsic and extrinsic percentile rankings were low, the general satisfaction ranking was in the average range. Education, organizational tenure, and job level were not positively or negatively correlated with job satisfaction. Multiple regression analyses found that the extrinsic factors did not significantly predict general satisfaction. Variances for general job satisfaction and the extrinsic factors were .05 (r square = .05). Statistical analyses were not available for opportunity for advancement because an insufficient number of participants responded to the open-ended question. The results of this study does support the Theory of Work Adjustment. There is a measurable comparison of individual vocational factors corresponding to the external elements of the work environment. Findings do not support the theory that extrinsic factors play a major role in general job satisfaction. However, intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction are separate artifacts of the general state of satisfaction. Although research studies have found that extrinsic factors correlate with job satisfaction within educational settings and the private sector, this study has not supported that conclusion. Clearly, additional research needs to be investigated with this population of employees to tap and enhance job satisfiers.