Skill mismatch and work–life conflict: the mediating role of job satisfaction

Previous research examining skill mismatch in the labour market has ignored potential implications for workers outside of the work environment. We argue that the psychological strain that the discrepancy between worker’s skills and job requirements wields on workers spills over into the non-work sphere, increasing work–life conflict. This study explores the consequence of skill mismatch for work–family life and various dimensions of job satisfaction. Using the 2011 British Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS), we find that both over- and underskilled workers reported lower satisfaction with achievement and autonomy, opportunity for development, and pay and security. Results also suggest that not only does skill mismatch have a negative influence on work–life conflict but that this association is completely mediated through job satisfaction. Given this better understanding of the complex ways that skill mismatch in employment shapes non-work life, implications for employees and firms are discussed.     

幼儿教师工作压力与生活满意度的关联性研究

摘要:采用问卷调查法对511名幼儿教师进行调查,考察幼儿教师工作压力与生活满意度之间的关联,探讨心理资本和工作倦怠在其中的序列中介效应。结果表明:（1）幼儿教师工作压力、心理资本、工作倦怠、生活满意度两两显著相关;（2）幼儿教师工作压力对生活满意度的直接预测作用不显著,但分别通过心理资本、工作倦怠的独立中介作用以及二者的序列中介作用间接预测生活满意度。研究结果提示不仅要重视缓解幼儿教师的工作压力,降低工作倦怠,还要从提升幼儿教师心理资本、发挥个体资源的保护性作用等途径缓解工作压力对幼儿教师生活满意度的不利影响。     

Satisfied teachers are good teachers: The association between teacher job satisfaction and instructional quality

Instructional quality is associated with better academic outcomes for students. This study aimed to investigate how teachers' job satisfaction was associated with clarity of instruction and cognitive activation as measures of instructional quality. In addition, we investigated whether this association between teachers' job satisfaction and instructional quality was mediated by teacher–student relationships. Drawing on the 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), we compared participants from both Eastern (N = 27,106; Japan, Taipei, Korea, Shanghai) and Western sociocultural contexts (N = 20,209; Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom). Multilevel structural equation modelling results indicated that teachers' job satisfaction was positively associated with instructional quality across Eastern and Western settings. The relationship between teachers' job satisfaction and instructional quality was partially mediated by better student–teacher relationships. There were some differences between the cultural settings in how job satisfaction correlated with clarity of instruction and cognitive activation. We suggest that these differences may be accounted for by cultural characteristics leading to different approaches to teaching. Our results suggest that teachers' job satisfaction and the quality of classroom-level relationships may be important indicators of positive instructional outcomes. While schools focus on student outcomes, they should also address teachers' job satisfaction and prioritise the importance of relationships between teachers and students in classrooms.     

Analysis of job satisfaction of university professors from nine Chinese universities

Research on work life and job satisfaction of university professors is becoming an important research issue in the field of higher education. This study used questionnaires administered to 1 770 teachers from different levels, types, and academic fields of Chinese universities to investigate job satisfaction among university professors and the relationship between job satisfaction of university professors and the organizational characteristics of the university. The job satisfaction of Chinese university professors includes six dimensions: career development and school management, teaching and research services, salary, benefits and logistical services, professional reputation, teaching and research facilities, and the work itself. The overall job satisfaction levels are close to average, with salary and benefits receiving the lowest level of satisfaction. The organizational characteristics of universities, such as school type, school level, academic field, organizational climate, evaluation orientation, and school management, all have significant effects on the overall job satisfaction of university professors. The organizational climate and school level affect all six dimensions of job satisfaction among university professors.     

Modeling teacher empowerment: The role of job satisfaction

Empowerment is defined and measured in terms of teachers' power to participate in decision-making about teaching and learning conditions. Job satisfaction refers to the level of teacher satisfaction by matters related to these conditions: student achievement, decision-making ability, self-growth, and so on. This research considers the relationship between job satisfaction and teacher empowerment, which includes dimensions of job satisfaction that contribute to teacher empowerment. In particular, it examines the levels of teacher satisfaction in four dimensions (professional growth, decision-making, promotion, and status) and their contribution to the sense of teacher empowerment among Cypriot teachers. The results support the importance of job satisfaction in the construction of teacher empowerment. Specifically, (1) teachers' level of job satisfaction varies depending on the dimension of school life that is focused; (2) teachers' job satisfaction is related to teacher empowerment.     

Negative thinking versus positive thinking in a Singaporean student sample: Relationships with psychological well-being and psychological maladjustment

This study examines the relationships of positive thinking versus negative thinking with psychological well-being and psychological maladjustment. Three hundred and ninety-eight undergraduate students from Singapore participated in this study. First, positive thinking were positively correlated with indicators psychological well-being – life satisfaction and happiness, and negatively correlated with indicators of psychopathology – stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. In contrast, negative thinking were positively correlated with indicators of psychopathology – stress, anxiety, depression, and anger, and negatively correlated with indicators of psychological well-being – life satisfaction and happiness. Second, hierarchical multiple regression results showed that females were more likely than males to be stressed and anxious at the first step of entry. However, there were no significant differences between the sexes in terms of depression, anger, life satisfaction, and happiness. Age did not significantly predict any of the criterion variables. Third, hierarchical multiple regression results showed that negative thinking accounted for more of the significant incremental unique variance in depression, stress, anxiety, life satisfaction, anger, and happiness in order of effect size. This is also found that positive thinking do accounted for a sizable significant incremental unique variance in happiness and life satisfaction, while a very small percentage of 1% significant incremental unique variance for stress, depression, anxiety, and anger. Implications and limitations of these findings were discussed.     

Job satisfaction among young European higher education graduates

The effects of diverse education-related variables on job satisfaction scores are analysed using a sample of European higher education graduates at early stages of their working life. Ordered choice models for job satisfaction are estimated including as explanatory diverse educational variables such as field of study, graduates’ evaluation of their educational experience, the match between the competences developed during education and those required by jobs, as well as information on graduates’ values and interests. The results show, even after controlling for actual job characteristics, that education-related variables have a great impact on graduates’ job satisfaction. Additionally, estimation results by each one of the countries included in the sample are also presented.     

Principals’ self-efficacy: relations with job autonomy, job satisfaction, and contextual constraints

The purpose of the present study was to explore relations between principals’ self-efficacy, perceived job autonomy, job satisfaction, and perceived contextual constraints to autonomy. Principal self-efficacy was measured by a multidimensional scale called the Norwegian Principal Self-Efficacy Scale. Job autonomy, job satisfaction, and contextual constraints to autonomy were measured by three scales developed for the purpose of this study. Perceived contextual constraints to autonomy were comprised of financial and administrative constraints, employee participation, municipal authority, and national evaluation programs. Participants in the study were 1,818 principals from the population of Norwegian principals. Data were collected by means of an electronic questionnaire. A theoretical model was tested by means of SEM analysis for latent variables using the AMOS 18 program. The model had acceptable fit to data. The results revealed a positive relation between principal self-efficacy and perceived job autonomy. Principal self-efficacy and perceived job autonomy were positively related to job satisfaction and negatively related to contextual constraints. Contextual constraints to autonomy were negatively related to job satisfaction. The present study highlights important relations between principals’ self-efficacy, perceived job autonomy, job satisfaction, and contextual constraints to autonomy. The results of the study are discussed together with limitations and suggestions for further research.     

Teacher characteristics and teaching styles as effectiveness enhancing factors of classroom practice

This study examined effects of teacher characteristics (gender, teacher education and certification, class management skills and job satisfaction) and teaching styles on indicators of good classroom practice in mathematics classes in secondary education by means of multilevel analysis. The study reveals that the presence of effective classroom practices can be explained by a learner-centered teaching style and by good class management skills. Furthermore, it was found that teachers with a high level of job satisfaction give more instructional support to their classes, especially to classes from a low-ability range, than teachers with a low level of job satisfaction.     

Emotional labour,burnout and job satisfaction in UK teachers: the role of workplace social support

Although teaching has been described as a profoundly emotional activity, little is known about the emotional demands faced by teachers or how this impacts on their well-being. This study examined relationships between ‘emotional labour’, burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment) and job satisfaction in a sample of UK teachers. Also examined was whether workplace social support moderated any relationships found between emotional labour and strain. The relationship between job experience and emotional labour was also investigated. Six hundred and twenty-eight teachers working in secondary schools in the UK completed questionnaires. Significant associations were observed between emotional labour and all outcomes, with a positive relationship found between emotional labour and personal accomplishment. Some evidence was found that social support mitigates the negative impact of emotional demands on emotional exhaustion, feelings of personal accomplishment and job satisfaction. More experienced teachers reported higher levels of emotional labour. Findings highlight the need for teacher-training programmes to raise awareness of the emotional demands of teaching and consider ways to enhance emotion regulation skills in experienced as well as recently qualified staff.     

Perceptions of job satisfaction,job stability,and quality of professional life among rural and urban school psychologists

A survey was conducted of 231 psychologists from a midwestern state. Investigators surveyed perceptions of job satisfaction, job stability, and quality of professional life. Responses of rural and urban professionals were compared. While resembling urban colleagues in most regards, rural psychologists appear more satisfied with working environments and job policies. Discussion is presented on differences between the two groups on a number of variables influencing perceptions.     

Organisational communication and its relationships with job satisfaction and organisational commitment of primary school staff in Western Australia

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between aspects of organisational communication and dimensions of job satisfaction and general organisational commitment. Participants were 358 staff members from 35 government primary schools in the state of Western Australia, who completed a survey comprising the Organisational Communication in Primary Schools Questionnaire, the Teacher Job Satisfaction Questionnaire and a five item general organisational commitment scale. Factor analyses established 13 aspects of job satisfaction and 9 dimensions of job satisfaction. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate interrelationships. The findings suggest several aspects of organisational communication were related to job satisfaction and organisational commitment. This article concludes with implications for future research with regard to communication and for the maintenance of optimal levels of job satisfaction and commitment in schools.     

Temporary contracts: effect on job satisfaction and personal lives of recent PhD graduates

In this study, we assess the effects of temporary employment on job satisfaction and the personal lives of recent PhD graduates. Temporary employment is becoming increasingly prevalent in many sectors, but has been relatively common in academia, especially for early career scientists. Labor market theory shows temporary employment to have a conspicuous negative influence on the job satisfaction and well-being of employees, but also identifies groups that may be exempt from these negative influences, such as the highly educated. Here, we study the effect of temporary employment on the highest educated group in the labor force, PhD graduates. We present findings of a survey of 1133 respondents who obtained their PhD from one of five Dutch universities between 2008 and 2012. Compared to PhDs employed on a permanent contract, PhDs on a temporary contract are less satisfied with their terms of employment, especially if they have no prospect of permanence. Temporary contracts with no prospect of permanence also decrease satisfaction with job content. Conversely, self-employment increases satisfaction with job content. Educational level required for the job also influences job satisfaction to a large degree: working below PhD level negatively affects job satisfaction. Finally, the type of contract affects different aspects of the personal lives of PhDs, such as the ability to obtain a mortgage, the stability of family life, and the possibility to start a family. In conclusion, we show that the highest educated, i.e., PhD graduates are not exempt from the negative influences of temporary employment.     

Relationships between social support,job autonomy,job satisfaction,and burnout among care workers in long-term care facilities in Hawaii

This study examined the effects of social support, job autonomy, and job satisfaction on burnout among long-term care workers in Hawaii, USA. Data were collected from 170 care workers working at long-term care facilities in Hawaii. The study variables included demographic data, burnout, social support, job autonomy, and job satisfaction. The study findings support the association between social support, job autonomy, job satisfaction, and burnout among care workers at long-term care facilities. Social support, job autonomy, and job satisfaction were negatively and significantly associated with the level of burnout of care workers in Hawaii. Furthermore, the findings suggest the need to develop policy and practice considerations for reducing burnout risks among care workers in order to improve quality of care.     

Asian medical students: quality of life and motivation to learn

Issues linked with the notions of quality of life (QOL) and motivation to learn among Asian medical students have not been well documented. This is true in both the international and the New Zealand contexts. Our paper addresses this lack of research by focusing on the QOL of international and domestic Asian students studying in New Zealand, where Asian students form a significant proportion of tertiary students. Although there is evidence to suggest that Asian students do well academically, it was felt that an investigation into their QOL would be instructive as QOL will likely have an impact on cognition, behavior, general well-being, and motivation. The present study surveyed fourth- and fifth-year medical students to examine the relationship between QOL and motivation to learn and to consider how Asian medical students compare against European medical and non-medical student peers. The study utilized the World Health Organization—Quality of Life questionnaire (BREF version) and a shortened version of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. The results show that the Asian medical students in this study generated significantly lower scores in terms of their satisfaction with social relationships compared with their non-Asian peers. In addition, international Asian medical students appear to be more at risk than domestic Asian students with respect to test anxiety. The paper considers the findings and the implications for quality of life, motivation to learn, medical education, and the Asian student community.     

我国导游人员职业倦怠研究现状分析及研究展望

导游是给游客旅游过程提供讲解和生活服务的助人行业从业者,研究显示导游存在明显的职业倦怠现象。人口统计学变量对职业倦怠各维度的影响结果不一致。工作应激、人格、社会支持能够预测职业倦怠。职业倦怠能够预测导游的工作满意度、心理健康、工作绩效和离职倾向。未来将从整合的角度,探讨付出回报、工作需求一资源、工作投入与职业倦怠的关系。     

Child abuse potential and work satisfaction in day-care employees

The Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory and a Work Satisfaction Questionnaire were administered to 228 day-care employees at 40 centers to investigate the relationship between potential for child abuse and degree of job satisfaction. In addition, the ability of the CAP abuse scale to distinguish between groups of day-care employees thought to differ in the quality of child care provided was studied. Small, albeit significant, inverse correlations were observed between abuse scores and two job satisfaction items. As clarity of job expectations and as overall job satisfaction increased, abuse scores decreased. Although abuse scores for all day-care employees were not significantly different from norm scores, significantly lower scores were found for employees from "superior" day-care centers and for employees rated "high" by center directors. Abuse scores for employees rated "high" were also significantly below scores for employees rated "low." While these data indicate only limited relationships between child abuse and job satisfaction, the findings suggest the CAP abuse scale can distinguish some subgroups of day-care employees thought to differ in quality of child care provided.     

中职教师工作特征与工作满意度的关系:心理资本的中介作用

为了探讨中等职业院校教师的心理资本在工作特征与工作满意度间的中介作用。采用工作特征量表、本土心理资本量表和中职教师工作满意度量表对天津、山西、四川、湖南、浙江和贵州等地的中职教师进行问卷调查。结果发现:中职教师的工作特征、心理资本与工作满意度之间两两相关;心理资本在工作特征与工作满意度之间起到了部分中介作用,其中中介效应占总效应的18.2%,结构方程模型进一步验证了心理资本的中介作用。本研究认为中职教师的工作特征可以通过心理资本对工作满意度产生影响。     

The relationship between school’s organizational climate and teacher’s job satisfaction: Malaysian experience

The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between school organizational climate and teachers’ job satisfaction. A quantitative survey method was applied, and three broadly hypothesized relationships were tested with a sample of 245 teachers from six government secondary schools in district of Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia. The instrument used in this study was the modified version for combination of two questionnaires: Organizational Climate Index and the Teachers’ Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. The findings indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between school organizational climate and teachers’ job satisfaction. The teachers in this study were found to be fairly satisfied with their job, with the responsibility factor as the biggest contributor to job satisfaction. This study found that there is no significant difference in levels of job satisfaction between the teachers’ gender (male and female). Based on the years of service in their current school, there was a statically significant difference in the level of job satisfaction among the teachers. These findings revealed that the secondary schools in Sabah have a positive and open climate, with the professional teachers’ behaviour factor as the biggest contributor. The results of this study indicate the necessity to provide positive organizational climate and up keeping teachers’ job satisfaction by policy makers and principals with hope in enhancing the quality of schools in Malaysia.     

乡村教师职业吸引力的实证研究——基于“离”与“留”强意愿的对比

依据18省35县8086份调查问卷分析发现:"离"与"留"强意愿教师在人口特征分布、工作提供和空间特质满意度、个人志趣认可度方面均有显著差异。工资、工作条件以及公共服务最令教师不满;两个群体之间差距最为突出的是生活便利、家庭关涉、领导公正、公共服务和设备正常度的满意度。回归显示,实际工资、工作条件、领导公正、晋职时长以及空间特征与教师持留任强意愿正向显著;领导公正、家庭关涉和公共服务的改善最有利于增强教师的留任强意愿。为改善乡村教师职业吸引力,需要探寻校社共同体建设以改善乡村教师的工作和生活条件,提高校长的领导能力并积极营造人文的学校管理环境,提升乡村教师的工资水平并合理分配绩效工资以缩小群体内差距。