Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in job satisfaction

Abstract

Responses to both forced choice and free-choice items were obtained from 50 accountants and 82 engineers in self-descriptions of past satisfying and dissatisfying job situations. Both groups of Ss endorsed more "intrinsic" than "extrinsic" items when describing both situations. Achievement, Work Itself, and Responsibility were mentioned most often in describing past satisfying situations, and lack of Advancement and Recognition were most often mentioned in dissatisfying situations. It was concluded that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors can be sources of both satisfaction and dissatisfaction, but intrinsic factors are stronger in both cases. Satisfaction variables are not unidirectional in their effects, and expectations have a strong influence on the extent of satisfaction with job factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)