Gender differences in determinants of job satisfaction among cooperative extension workers in the United States

Abstract

This study compares levels of job satisfaction among male and female cooperative extension workers in the United States. There is a high level of job satisfaction among cooperative extension workers and no statistically significant differences between males and females. However, when modelling job satisfaction as a function of (1) Control/Autonomy/Influence, (2) Challenge, (3) Performance Measures, (4) Feedback, (5)Instrumentality and (6) Stability/Security, we detect gender differences. Women place a higher importance on job Stability/Security as a factor influencing job satisfaction. However, the levels of Feedback and Instrumentality are less important determinants of job satisfaction to females than to males.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Charles Grenier and Lisa Mauger for valuable comments to this manuscript.