TY - JOUR

T1 - A state-trait analysis of job satisfaction

T2 - On the effect of core self-evaluations

AU - Dormann, Christian

AU - Fay, Doris

AU - Zapf, Dieter

AU - Frese, Michael

PY - 2006/1/1

Y1 - 2006/1/1

N2 - Recent research that looked into the dispositional base of job satisfaction focused on relating observed job satisfaction to core self-evaluations (CSE). This study was concerned with (a) the relation between the trait variance of job satisfaction and CSE and (b) the structure of the CSE-variables. Using a longitudinal measurement model in a secondary analysis of four waves of a longitudinal study we first tested whether CSE are sufficiently stable over time. Results indicate a high stability of CSE (.87 across 2 years). We then performed a state-trait decomposition of job satisfaction in order to separate trait variance of job satisfaction from changing variance. The stable job satisfaction factor was regressed on CSE-variables, using different models of CSE (a collective set, a latent factor, or an aggregate concept). Results were in favor of treating the CSE-variables as a collective set, and this set explained almost all stable variance of job satisfaction (84%). Moreover, only negative affectivity and internal locus of control had a significant impact, whereas self-esteem and self-efficacy had not. It is concluded that current conceptualisations of CSE as a superordinate concept underlying its four dimensions is possible but overly broad in job satisfaction research; collective consideration of LOC and KA is better and sufficient.

AB - Recent research that looked into the dispositional base of job satisfaction focused on relating observed job satisfaction to core self-evaluations (CSE). This study was concerned with (a) the relation between the trait variance of job satisfaction and CSE and (b) the structure of the CSE-variables. Using a longitudinal measurement model in a secondary analysis of four waves of a longitudinal study we first tested whether CSE are sufficiently stable over time. Results indicate a high stability of CSE (.87 across 2 years). We then performed a state-trait decomposition of job satisfaction in order to separate trait variance of job satisfaction from changing variance. The stable job satisfaction factor was regressed on CSE-variables, using different models of CSE (a collective set, a latent factor, or an aggregate concept). Results were in favor of treating the CSE-variables as a collective set, and this set explained almost all stable variance of job satisfaction (84%). Moreover, only negative affectivity and internal locus of control had a significant impact, whereas self-esteem and self-efficacy had not. It is concluded that current conceptualisations of CSE as a superordinate concept underlying its four dimensions is possible but overly broad in job satisfaction research; collective consideration of LOC and KA is better and sufficient.

KW - Management studies

KW - Business psychology

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33646187540&partnerID=8YFLogxK

UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/c0dc08be-77a6-36c1-a7b5-1e9f60117a8a/

U2 - 10.1111/j.1464-0597.2006.00227.x

DO - 10.1111/j.1464-0597.2006.00227.x

M3 - Scientific review articles

AN - SCOPUS:33646187540

VL - 55

SP - 27

EP - 51

JO - Applied Psychology

JF - Applied Psychology

SN - 0269-994X

IS - 1

ER -