A dynamic model of work satisfaction: Qualitative approaches

Traditional work satisfaction research is criticized for its personalistic approach in conceptualization and measurement. Its results are doubted beca use of the artificially high proportions of satisfied. In order to overcome some of these shortcomings, the extended model of different forms of work satisfaction originally proposed by Bruggemann (1974) is validated. Six for ms of work satisfaction (progressive, stabilized, resigned satisfaction; co nstructive, fixated, resigned dissatisfaction) are derived from the constel lation of four constituent variables: comparison of the actual work situati on and personal aspirations, global satisfaction, changes in level of aspir ation, controllability at work. Results from semistructured interviews, a f ree Q-sort, and a questionnaire for differentiating forms of work satisfact ion for 46 nurses provide support for the model. Various methods proved use ful in accessing particular aspects of the underlying cognitive and evaluat ive processes in the formation of different forms of work satisfaction. Imp lications for personnel management and studies in organizational behavior ( performance, intervention strategies) are discussed.