FACET IMPORTANCE AND JOB-SATISFACTION - ANOTHER LOOK AT THE RANGE-OF-AFFECT HYPOTHESIS

The range-of-affect hypothesis (Locke, 1976) argues that facet importa nce is a key determinant of the level of satisfaction associated with any particular job facet. A larger range of facet satisfaction is expe cted for workers placing greater personal importance on a job facet (i .e., greater satisfaction with favorable conditions and greater dissat isfaction with unfavorable conditions). Although this hypothesis has b een supported by studies using American samples, research is needed to assess its generalizability in other countries. This study takes a fi rst step in that direction by finding support for the hypothesis in a sample of South African employees. In addition, unlike previous resear ch, our study uses two alternative methods to examine the range-of-aff ect hypothesis. Practical implications and research directions are dis cussed.