BACKGROUND: Employee job satisfaction has been a research focal
point throughout the world. It is a key factor when measuring the
performance of an organization and individuals. A leading engineering goods
manufacturing enterprise in Pakistan, has been used in this case study. In
Pakistan, very limited research has been done with respect to factors
affecting job satisfaction. Some research has been done in medical
institutions, banks, universities and the information technology sector but
large public sector organizations in Pakistan have not been studied. A
theoretical foundation for researching factors affecting job satisfaction in
large organizations is outlined.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to analyze various
demographic, financial and non-financial factors affecting the satisfaction
level of employees and to study the effects across different employee
groups.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY: This study is based on quantitative data
analysis. The employees of the organization under study have been divided
into 10 homogeneous groups based on their departments. Information on job
related factors (affecting the satisfaction level) have been collected from
subsamples of each group using a self-administered questionnaire. An overall
sample of 250 (out of total 1100) employees has been selected. Before
conducting the survey, reliability of the questionnaire was measured using
Cronbach's alpha. The normality of data was also examined using the
Kolmogorov Smirnov test. Hypotheses devised to address the research
questions were tested by using non-parametric Spearman correlation and
Kruskal-Wallis tests.
RESULTS: The response rate was 73.2%. Research findings
indicated the significant factors that affect the satisfaction level of
employees. Median group differences existed between responses based on age,
work experience, salary and designation (i.e. job position/rank) of
employees. Job satisfaction was also positively and significantly associated
with job related factors such as pay, promotion, relation with employees,
relation with supervisor, work stress and job security.
CONCLUSIONS: Job satisfaction of employees was significantly
affected by demographic, financial and non-financial factors. Employees who
are older than 50 years, with greater experience, and in higher management
positions were more satisfied with pay, promotion, work stress, work
condition and working environment. The employees' departments did not play
any significant role in affecting satisfaction levels.
