Abstract:
One hundred and seventy-two subj ects participated in this
quantitative, correlational survey which tested Hackman and
Oldham's Job Characteristics Model in an educational setting.
Subjects were Teaching Masters, Chairmen and Deans from an Ontario
community college. The data were collected via mailed
questionnaire, on all variables of the model. Several reliable,
valid instruments were used to test the variables. Data analysis
through Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple regression
analyses revealed that core job characteristics predicted certain
critical psychological states and that these critical
psychological states, in turn were able to predict various
personal and work outcomes but not absenteeism. The context
variable, Satisfaction with Co-workers, was the only consistent
moderating variable between core characteristics and critical
psychological states; however, individual employee differences did
moderate the relationship between critical psychological states
and all of the personal and work outcomes except Internal Work
Motivation. Two other moderator variables, Satisfaction with
Context and Growth Need Strength, demonstrated an ability to
predict the outcome General Job Satisfaction. The research
suggests that this model may be used for job design and redesign
purposes within the community college setting.
