Changes in social density: Relationships with functional interaction and perceptions of job characteristics, role stress, and work satisfaction

Abstract

Social density changes occurred in a petroleum-related organization as a result of a physical movement to a new building. This study examined the relationship of these changes to 96 professional employees' functional interactions and job characteristics, role stress, and work satisfaction (measured by the Job Characteristics Inventory; a role stress scale developed by J. R. Rizzo et al, 1970; and the ERG [Existence-Relatedness-Growth] Satisfaction Scale, respectively). Results of multivariate ANOVA show that Ss who experienced a social density increase reported significantly less role stress and job autonomy, but significantly greater job feedback, friendship opportunities, and work satisfaction. Results challenge the prominently held belief that crowding will have dysfunctional effects on individual behavior and attitudes. Findings are discussed in relationship to sociotechnical systems and the importance of considering the nature of the work in any office configuration change, particularly open offices or office landscaping designs. (26 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)