International Organizational Behavior-Cultural Differences in Job Characteristics and Job Satisfaction

For the Assignment, conduct research on three different countries cultures.

How do various factors of one’s job contribute to satisfaction in different cultures?

A recent study attempted to answer this question in a survey of over 49 countries. The authors of the

study distinguished between intrinsic job characteristics (having a job that allows one to use one’s

skills, frequently receiving recognition from one’s supervisor) and extrinsic job characteristics

(receiving pay that is competitive within a given industry, working in an environment that has

comfortable physical conditions) and assessed differences between the two in predicting employee

job satisfaction.

The Study found that, across all countries, extrinsic job characteristics were positively and

consistently related to satisfaction with one’s job. However, countries differed in the extent to which

intrinsic job characteristics predicted job satisfaction. Richer countries, countries with stronger social

security, countries that stress individualism rather than collectivism, and countries with a smaller

power distance (those that value a more equal distribution of power in organizations and institutions)

showed a stronger relationship between the presence of intrinsic job characteristics and job

satisfaction.

What explains these findings? One explanation is that in countries with greater wealth and social

security, they take concerns over survival for granted, and thus employees have the freedom to place

greater importance on intrinsic aspects of the job. Another explanation is that cultural norms

emphasizing the individual and less power asymmetry socialize individuals to focus on the intrinsic

aspects of their job. In other words, such norms tell individuals that it is okay to want jobs that are

intrinsically rewarding

For the Assignment, conduct research on three different countries cultures. Use the Kaplan library or

the Internet, and then respond to the questions below:

Checklist:

1. Compare facts about each of the three countries.

2. Determine which of the three countries is most likely to have higher job satisfaction and

motivation among employees.

3. Explain your answer using motivation theory material from Robbins and Judge.

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