Dispositional effects on job and life satisfaction: The role of core evaluations.

Abstract

Past research has suggested that dispositional sources of job satisfaction can be traced to measures of affective temperament.The present research focused on another concept, core self-evaluations, which were hypothesized to comprise self-esteem, generalized selfefficacy, locus of control, and nonneuroticism.A model hypothesized that core selfevaluations would have direct effects on job and life satisfaction.It also was hypothesized that core self-evaluations would have indirect effects on job satisfaction.Data were collected from 3 independent samples in 2 countries, using dual source methodology.Results indicated that core self-evaluations had direct and indirect effects on job and life satisfaction.The statistical and logical relationship among core evaluations, affective disposition, and satisfaction was explored.In recent years increasing attention has been given to the hypothesis that factors within the individual, divorced from the attributes of the job, affect the degree of satisfaction experienced on the job.These factors, called dispositions, also are asserted to affect life satisfaction.Although the possible effects of dispositions on satisfaction with the job have been recognized for many decades (e.g.,