Perceived overqualification, positive and negative affectivity, and satisfaction with work

We examined the effects of perceived overqualification on satisfaction with work and the moderator effect of positive and negative affectivity on the relationship for 288 members of a midwestern American postal workers union local. Gender differences in positive and negative affectivity scores were also examined. Perceived overqualification was represented by two indicator s: perceived lack of growth opportunity (no-grow) and perceived mismatch. P erceived lack of growth opportunity, but not perceived mismatch, was signif icantly negatively associated with work satisfaction. Perceived no-grow was associated with less positive affect, but not more negative affect. These findings are suggestive of Herzberg's (1966) two-factor theory of job satis faction. Additional research is needed on the joint role of positive and ne gative affectivity on work, and gender differences in positive affectivity and negative affectivity in work. The significant positive interaction betw een no-grow and negative affect on satisfaction with work does not support our hypothesis that the negative relationship between overqualification and satisfaction with work was greater for those perceiving high negative affe ct than for those perceiving low negative affect.