9990 · 4.5.2
Measuring job-satisfaction flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9990 Measuring job-satisfaction (syllabus 4.5.2). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Global vs facet measurement?
Global = one overall rating; facet = separate scores for pay, supervision, work, etc. — facet pinpoints actionable issues.
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Job Descriptive Index (JDI)?
Facet scale using adjective checklists for work, pay, promotion, supervision, co-workers — widely validated.
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Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ)?
Available in short (global) and long (facet) forms — measures intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction.
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Self-report limitation: social desirability?
Employees may over-report satisfaction when they fear identification or want to appear grateful.
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Self-report limitation: mood?
Temporary mood on survey day can distort scores — repeated measurement improves reliability.
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Why HR uses facet surveys?
Identifies which policies to fix (e.g. low supervision scores → management training) rather than vague dissatisfaction.
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What are the five facets measured by the Job Descriptive Index (JDI)?
1. The work itself 2. Pay 3. Opportunities for promotion 4. Supervision 5. Co-workers
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What is the key difference in the response format between the JDI and the MSQ?
The JDI uses a simple 'Yes/No/?' format. The MSQ uses a 5-point Likert scale to measure the intensity of feeling (e.g., from 'Very Dissatisfied' to 'Very Satisfied').
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Define 'intrinsic satisfaction' as measured by the MSQ.
Satisfaction derived from the nature of the work itself. It relates to internal factors such as feeling a sense of achievement, using one's abilities, autonomy, and creativity.
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Define 'extrinsic satisfaction' as measured by the MSQ.
Satisfaction derived from factors external to the work itself. It relates to the context or environment, such as pay, working conditions, company policies, and job security.
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What is a major methodological weakness of using self-report surveys to measure job satisfaction?
Social desirability bias, where respondents may provide answers that are socially acceptable or that they think their employer wants to hear, rather than their true feelings.