Independent Researcher,
Job satisfaction has been defined as a pleasurable emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one’s job; an affective reaction to one’s job; and an attitude towards one’s job. Weiss (2007) has argued that job satisfaction is an attitude but points out that researchers should clearly distinguish the objects of cognitive evaluation which are affect (emotion), beliefs and behaviors. This definition suggests that we from attitudes towards our jobs by taking into account our feelings, our beliefs, and our behaviors.
There are many methods for measuring job satisfaction. By far, the most common method for collecting data regarding job satisfacting is the Likert scale (named after Rensis Likert). Other less common methods of for gauging job satisfaction include: Yes/No questions, True/False questions, point systems, checklist, forced choice answers.
The Job Descriptive Index (JDI), created by smith, Kendall, & Hulin (1969), job satisfaction that has been widely used. It measures one’s satisfaction in five facets: pay, promotions and opportunities, coworkers, supervision, and the work itself. The scale is simple, participants answer either yes, no, or decide in response to whether given statements accurately describe one job.
The Job in General Index is an overall measurement of job satisfaction. It was an improvement to the job Descriptive Index because the JDI focused too much on individual facets and not enough on work satisfaction in general.
