Education, Gender, Trait Effects on Job Satisfaction

Education, Gender, Trait Effects on Job Satisfaction

• Harold L. Stuart Endowed Chair in Business Siva K. Balasubramanian
• Hui Li, Stuart Ph.D. student
• Chao Wang, Stuart Ph.D. student

Abstract:

This study explores Herzberg’s duality model, a well-known theory about job satisfaction, using a structural equation modeling approach. We draw on data from the Higher Education, Gender & Work survey conducted in the US during October 2013 by PEW Research Center (N=2002 US adults).

Results support this theory’s assertion that intrinsic factors (i.e., motivators) influence job satisfaction, while extrinsic factors (i.e., hygiene factors) influence job dissatisfaction. We use the SEM model framework to expand Herzberg’s theory by including components that influence motivators and hygiene factors. Specifically, we find that both education benefits and gender perceptions positively influence salary or pay outcomes (a hygiene factor). Personality and general dispositions, a less studied item, positively influences career expectations (a motivator).

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