9990 · 4.5.1
Theories of job satisfaction flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9990 Theories of job satisfaction (syllabus 4.5.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
Card
Job satisfaction definition?
Positive emotional state resulting from appraisal of one's job — global feeling or sum of facet satisfactions.
Card
Facet model?
Satisfaction measured separately for pay, supervision, co-workers, promotion, work itself — identifies specific problem areas.
Card
Discrepancy theory?
Satisfaction = gap between what you have and what you want/expect — large positive discrepancy → high satisfaction.
Card
Herzberg and satisfaction?
Motivators (achievement, recognition) produce satisfaction; hygiene factors only prevent dissatisfaction.
Card
Satisfaction → performance link?
Weak or inconsistent in research — performance may cause satisfaction as much as reverse (reward good work).
Card
Adjunctive vs core facets?
Core = intrinsic job content; adjunctive = pay, benefits, conditions — people weight facets differently.
Card
What is the core principle of facet theories of job satisfaction?
That overall job satisfaction is the sum of an individual's satisfaction with different components or 'facets' of their job, such as pay, supervision, and the work itself.
Card
According to Locke's Discrepancy Theory, what determines job satisfaction?
The discrepancy (gap) between what an employee wants or expects from their job and what they actually receive, weighted by the importance of that facet to the individual.
Card
In Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, what is a 'hygiene factor'?
A factor related to the job context (e.g., salary, working conditions, company policy) that can cause dissatisfaction if absent or poor, but does not lead to satisfaction when present.
Card
Give two examples of 'motivators' in Herzberg's theory.
Any two from: achievement, recognition, responsibility, the work itself, advancement, personal growth.
Card
What is the key difference between global and facet satisfaction?
Global satisfaction is an employee's overall feeling about their job as a whole, while facet satisfaction is their feeling about specific aspects of the job (e.g., pay, co-workers).
Card
What is a major criticism of Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory?
The methodology used (Critical Incident Technique) is prone to bias, as people tend to attribute good outcomes to themselves (intrinsic factors) and bad outcomes to the environment (extrinsic factors). Also, the distinction between hygiene factors and motivators is not always clear-cut (e.g., pay can be a symbol of recognition).
Card
How does the Job Descriptive Index (JDI) relate to facet theory?
The JDI is a practical application of facet theory. It is a widely used questionnaire that measures job satisfaction by asking employees to rate their feelings about five specific facets: the work itself, pay, promotion opportunities, supervision, and co-workers.