Job Satisfaction

1 THE NATURE OF JOB SATISFACTION

DOI: 10.4324/9781003250616-1

Every year the U.S. Federal government surveys its employees to find out among other things how employees feel about their jobs. Since 2004, the U.S. Congress has required as part of the National Defense Authorization Act that employees be assessed on both the leadership practices that affect agency performance and on their job satisfaction (U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 2008). This includes satisfaction with leadership, the work environment, rewards, and personal growth. Clearly the U.S. Congress recognizes the central importance of employee job satisfaction for the effective operation of its agencies.

Job satisfaction is a topic of wide interest, not only to the U.S. Federal ...