Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2000
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department / School
Sociology and Rural Studies
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the social correlates of job satisfaction of plant science graduates of a MidWestem University. A sample of 1000 plant graduates was randomly drawn from the Alumni's master list of the university. The research instruments used are: (1) Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and (2) Demographic Data Questionnaire. The conceptual framework was developed from Victor H. Vroom's (1964) application of the expectancy theory. The Porter and Lawler (1968) extension of the expectancy theory and a modified theoretical model are also used. The two questionnaires were sent to 1000 graduate participants. A total of 486 graduate respondents completed the two questionnaires. Seventeen absolute hypotheses and one conditional hypothesis are derived from the theoretical framework and the modified theoretical model. The tests of significance used to test the hypotheses are chi-square and Cramer's V. The tests indicated that most of the research hypotheses were supported, that is, statistically significant. The independent variables that correlated positively with the dependent variable job satisfaction are: autonomy in decision-making; group interaction; variety of tasks performed on the job; goal interdependence; performance; job security; working conditions; opportunity to use skills and abilities; and chance of promotion. These variables are positively valent or attractive to respondents. However, the research hypothesis seventeen which states that, "there is a positive relationship between job satisfaction and salary or income;" and the conditional hypothesis which states that, "there is a positive relationship between job satisfaction and salary or income when controlling for male," negatively correlated with job satisfaction. The results indicate that there are no statistical differences in job satisfaction by salary or income. Therefore, salary or income is negatively valent to respondents, implying that it does not determine their job satisfaction. The results are revealing because most of the graduate respondents ranked higher the intrinsic rewards like opportunity to use skills and abilities than the extrinsic rewards like salary or income.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Vroom, Victor H (Victor Harold), 1932-2023
Plant specialists -- Job satisfaction
College graduates -- Job satisfaction -- Middle West
Work -- Psychological aspects
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
136
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Darboe, Kebba, "An Empirical Study of the Social Correlates of Job Satisfaction Among Plant Science Graduates of a Midwestern University : A Test of Victor H. Vroom's (1964) Expectancy Theory" (2000). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 732.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/732