Variations in Orientation to Work and Job Satisfaction

Abstract

The generality claimed for the Herzberg two-factor theory of job satisfaction is still debated in the literature. This study examines the issues involved which a bipartite analysis of job satisfaction gives rise to by, firstly, thoroughly conceptualizing the phenomenon of job satisfaction and, secondly, empirically testing the proposition that the Herzberg hypothesis is an oversimplification of the relationship between variables because it fails to take account of variations in orientation to work relative to the work situation. The basic themes of the motivator-hygiene dichotomy and the "orientation" variable have been operationalized by stating the testable hypotheses in terms of probability. Corroboration of the null hypothesis was sought in each case since it was predicted that the test of hypotheses would validate the "pervasive influence" of variations in orientation to work relative to employment.

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