Need type and job satisfaction among industrial scientists.

Need-fulfillment theories of job satisfaction generally assume that individuals differ in the outcomes they prefer (need) to obtain from their jobs. Moreover, these theories hypothesize that the relationship between the outcomes received on the job and satisfaction is dependent upon these preferences (needs). The hypothesis this study investigated is that the pattern of preferences for job outcomes moderates the relationship between preference for an outcome and satisfaction with that outcome. Questionnaires were employed to assess preference and satisfaction on 30 different job outcomes Ss were 113 industrial research scientists working in 1 facility. Preference (need) ratings were subjected to Q cluster analysis. 2 "need" types were identified. It was found that need type moderated the relationship between preference (need) for an outcome and satisfaction with that outcome only on those outcomes most closely related to the company itself. A hypothesis was proposed that these 2 need types reflect the 2 types of research and development personnel that differ primarily in orientation toward the company itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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