Generating benchmarking indicators for employee job satisfaction

Abstract

This paper aims to generate benchmarking indicators for employee job satisfaction using a large size sample including various industrial and occupational sectors. Job satisfaction was measured using the Job Satisfaction Scale developed by the Sheffield Institute of Work Psychology and published with a benchmarking manual in 2007. The International Standard Classification of Occupations developed by the International Labour Organization was used to classify occupations into sectors and job titles. The sample of the study consisted of (4076) individuals working in 24 public and private organisations. Statistical outcomes indicated that the managerial job sector has the highest job satisfaction means (M = 4.24, SD = 1.09), while the lowest means went to the craft workers’ sector (M = 3.47, SD = 0.60). Surprisingly, the highest job satisfaction means according to job title were scored by customer service and sales representatives (M = 4.51, SD = 0.85), while physicians and university professors showed the lowest job satisfaction means (M = 3.43, SD = 0.66). Other job titles are also discussed. This study provides reliable comparative data that helps researchers and practitioners in diagnostic and strategic planning initiatives. This may help in incorporating better development plans, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.

Keywords:

• job satisfaction
• benchmarking
• referential information
• Jordan

Acknowledgement

The research was funded by University of Jordan, Deanship of Academic Research (grant # 1086).