Zitatform

Chambel, Maria José & Carlos-María Alcover (2011): The psychological contract of call-centre workers: Employment conditions, satisfaction and civic virtue behaviours. In: Economic and Industrial Democracy, Jg. 32, H. 1, S. 115-134. DOI:10.1177/0143831X10376421

Abstract

"The number of call centre businesses and workers has increased considerably over recent years and has become one of the sectors with the highest growth rate in Portugal. In this cross-sectional study, covering 363 call/contact centre (C/CC) workers in a Portuguese firm, we confirm that the relationship between employees and the organization, namely their psychological contract, is influenced by their employment conditions, that is, their status and work premises. We perform multiple regression analyses and results show that: (1) temporary employees perceive fewer relational and balanced and more transactional organizational obligations than permanent employees; (2) employees working at the client's premises perceive more balanced obligations of the organization; (3) the psychological contract has a relationship with the attitudes and behaviours of employees with a higher general relational orientation to their work, who are more satisfied and present more civic virtue behaviours. This study provides a discussion of the practical implications and future research." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Chang, Hung-Hao & Steven T. Yen (2011): Full-time, part-time employment and life satisfaction of the elderly. In: The Journal of Socio-Economics, Jg. 40, H. 6, S. 815-823. DOI:10.1016/j.socec.2011.08.008

Abstract

"There is continued interest in employment and subjective well-being among the elderly because of the increasing proportion of elderly population in the labor force. This study investigates the association between part-time and full-time employment and life satisfaction of the elderly in Taiwan. We also examine how these associations may differ across socio-demographic groups. An ordinal treatment effect model is developed to accommodate the discrete feature of the employment decision and the potential endogeneity of these two outcomes. Using a unique sample of the elderly in Taiwan, in contrast to findings for the general population of the previous studies, we find that part-time employment is significant and positively associated with life satisfaction, while elderly with full-time employment have lower life satisfaction. These results are robust across socio-demographic groups." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Chongvilaivan, Aekapol & Nattavudh Powdthavee (2011): And I will try to fix you. A study of heterogeneity in job satisfaction with implications for flexible employment contracts. (IZA discussion paper 5868), Bonn, 37 S.

Abstract

"This paper is an empirical study of slope heterogeneity in job satisfaction. It provides evidence from the generalized ordered probit models that different job characteristics tend to have different distributional impacts on the overall job satisfaction. For instance, standard models tend to significantly underestimate the effects of monthly salary and hours worked at generating the 'highly' satisfied workers, whilst lowering the incidence of the 'very dissatisfied' workers. Although our results should be viewed as illustrative, we provide discussions of their potential implications for employers and they could help with the design of employment contracts." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Clark, Andrew E. (2011): The organisational commitment of workers in OECD countries. In: Management Revue, Jg. 22, H. 1, S. 8-27. DOI:10.1688/1861-9908_mrev_2011_01_Clark

Abstract

"The degree to which workers identify with their firms, and how hard they are willing to work for them, would seem to be key variables for the understanding of both firm productivity and individual labour-market outcomes. This paper uses repeated cross-section ISSP data from 1997 and 2005 to consider three of measures of worker commitment. There are enormous cross-country differences in these commitment measures, which are difficult to explain using individual- or job-related characteristics. These patterns do, however, correlate with some country-level variables. While unemployment and inflation are both associated with lower commitment to an extent, economic and civil liberties are positively correlated with worker effort and pride in the firm." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Cornelißen, Thomas, John S. Heywood & Uwe Jirjahn (2011): Performance pay, risk attitudes and job satisfaction. In: Labour economics, Jg. 18, H. 2, S. 229-239. DOI:10.1016/j.labeco.2010.09.005

Abstract

"We present a model in which workers with greater ability and greater risk tolerance move into performance pay jobs to capture rents and contrast it with the classic agency model. Estimates from the German Socio-Economic Panel confirm testable implications drawn from our model. First, before controlling for earnings, workers in performance pay jobs have higher job satisfaction, a proxy for on-the-job utility. Second, after controlling for earnings, workers in jobs with performance pay have the same job satisfaction as those not in such jobs. Third, those workers in performance pay jobs who have greater risk tolerance routinely report greater job satisfaction. While these findings support models in which workers capture rent, they would not be suggested by the classic agency model." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Crost, Benjamin (2011): The effect of subsidized employment on happiness. (SOEPpapers on multidisciplinary panel data research at DIW Berlin 384), Berlin, 43 S.

Abstract

"While a large body of evidence suggests that unemployment and self-reported happiness are negatively correlated, it is not clear whether this reflects a causal effect of unemployment on happiness and whether subsidized employment can increase the happiness of the unemployed. To close this gap, this paper estimates the causal effect of a type of subsidized employment projects - Germany's Arbeitsbeschaffungsmaßnahmen - on self- reported happiness. Results from matching and fixed effects estimators suggest that subsidized employment has a large and statistically significant positive effect on the happiness of individuals who would otherwise have been unemployed. Detailed panel data on pre- and post-project happiness suggests that this effect can neither be explained by self-selection of happier individuals into employment nor by the higher incomes of the employed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Brückner, Gunter, Erik Schäfer, Uwe Reim, Stefan Brings, Eckhard Priller, Olga Pötzsch, Angelika Scheuer, Weert Canzler, Joachim Frick, Silvia Deckl, Gabriela Fuhr, Dominik Asef, Patrick J. Droß, Reinhard Pollak, Claudia Finke, Heiko Pfaff, Michael Blohm, Tanja Mucha, Thomas Ziese, Dirk Mohr, Bernhard Weßels, Johanna Mischke, Stefan Weick, Heiner Meulemann, Martina Wasmer, Ursula Lauber, Ingrid Tucci, Thomas Lampert, Bettina Sommer, Benjamin Kuntz, Renate Schulze-Steikow, Christiane Krüger-Hemmer, Mareike Alscher, Lars Eric Kroll, Jörg Dittmann, Sascha Krieger, Mirjam Bick, Peter Krause, Christian Wingerter, Elle Krack-Roberg, Karl Weichs, Kristina Kott, Annette Spellerberg, Udo Kleinegees, Sebastian Czajka, Elke Holst, Klaus-Jürgen Duschek, Regina Hoffmann-Müller, Julia Weinmann, Ralf Himmelreicher, Jürgen Schupp, Roland Habich, Karin Böhm, Claire Grobecker, Hanfried H. Andersen, Markus Grabka, Jessica Walter & Jan Goebel (2011): Datenreport 2011. Ein Sozialbericht für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Band I und II. (Datenreport / Statistisches Bundesamt 13), Bonn, 448 S.

Abstract

"Der Datenreport ist ein Gemeinschaftsprojekt des Statistischen Bundesamtes (Destatis), des Wissenschaftszentrums Berlin für Sozialforschung (WZB) und des Deutschen Instituts für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW). Im Datenreport werden die Ergebnisse des Statistischen Bundesamtes und der sozialwissenschaftlichen Forschung zusammengeführt, so dass ein differenziertes Bild der Lebensverhältnisse in Deutschland entsteht. Die amtliche Statistik ist mit ihren umfangreichen, vielfältigen und kontinuierlich durchgeführten Erhebungen nach wie vor der wichtigste Anbieter von Informationen über die Lebensverhältnisse und gesellschaftlichen Entwicklungen in Deutschland. Eine leistungsfähige sozialwissenschaftliche Datengrundlage ergänzt und bereichert das Informations- und Analysepotential der amtlichen Daten. Ein farbiges Leitsystem erleichtert die Unterscheidung der Beiträge des Statistischen Bundesamtes und der sozialwissenschaftlichen Forschungsinstitute." (Textauszug, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Dickey, Heather, Verity Watson & Alexandros Zangelidis (2011): Job satisfaction and quit intentions of offshore workers in the UK North Sea oil and gas industry. In: Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Jg. 58, H. 5, S. 607-633. DOI:10.1111/j.1467-9485.2011.00561.x

Abstract

"The North Sea oil and gas industry currently faces recruitment and retention difficulties because of a shortage of skilled workers. One means of retaining existing employees is to improve workers' job satisfaction. In this paper, we investigate the determinants of job satisfaction and intentions to quit within this industry sector. We find that individuals in good financial situations, those whose skills are closely related to their job and those who received training reported higher levels of job satisfaction. Furthermore, we establish the importance of job satisfaction, promotion prospects and training opportunities in determining workers' intentions to quit their job." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Dickey, Heather, Verity Watson & Alexandros Zangelidis (2011): Is it all about money? An examination of the motives behind moonlighting. In: Applied Economics, Jg. 43, H. 26, S. 3767-3774. DOI:10.1080/00036841003724403

Abstract

"Multiple-job holding is an important labour market phenomenon. In this article, we examine individuals' motives for multiple-job holding. Specifically, we estimate an empirical model of the motivation for moonlighting assuming that individuals hold a second job for either financial or for nonpecuniary motives. Our results contribute to a better understanding of multiple-job holding. We find that multiple-job holding is used by individuals as a way to deal with the financial difficulties or the increased financial commitments in their household. Individuals are more likely to moonlight for money in the early stages of their adult life. Finally, individuals with more labour market experience are more likely to moonlight for pecuniary than nonpecuniary reasons." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Drobnic, Sonja & Ana M. Guillén Rodríguez (2011): Tensions between work and home. Job quality and working conditions in the institutional contexts of Germany and Spain. In: Social Politics, Jg. 18, H. 2, S. 232-268. DOI:10.1093/sp/jxr008

Abstract

"Good jobs can generate capabilities that allow employees to avoid tensions between work and family/home. Following the conceptual framework of Amartya Sen, we examine how job-related demands and resources are related to the level of interference, as well as satisfaction with managing work and home in Spanish and German employees, using three different large-scale European surveys: European Quality of Life Survey and two waves of the European Social Survey. We find that long working hours systematically increase tensions between work and home, as do time pressure, job-related stress, and working hard. Job control or autonomy at work, which is hypothesized to expand individuals' capabilities and agency, tends to increase work - home interference rather than alleviate it. Family responsibilities and household demands do not seem relevant to the tensions employees experience at the work - home interface. This also holds true for women, which is a surprising result in view of the 'double burden' hypothesis. Employed mothers in Germany and Spain are a select group of women, as combining employment with raising children in conservative - corporatist and conservative - familialist states may be particularly problematic. Thus while the institutional contexts of Germany and Spain curtail women's ability to reconcile employment and parenthood, the mothers (and fathers) who are employed do not experience significantly higher levels of work - family/home tensions than nonparents." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Fahr, René (2011): Job design and job satisfaction. Empirical evidence for Germany? In: Management Revue, Jg. 22, H. 1, S. 28-46. DOI:10.1688/1861-9908_mrev_2011_01_Fahr

Abstract

"The present paper uses a large representative data set for Germany to analyze the effect of an enriched job design, which is characterized by a high degree of autonomy and multitasking, on job satisfaction. In our empirical approach we take job satisfaction as a proxy variable for workers' utility following the approach suggested in Clark/Oswald (1996). We present clear evidence that modern job design increases job satisfaction independent of worker characteristics and variations in the definition of enriched job design. We find some tentative evidence for the impact of the job design/ employee-match on job satisfaction. In particular, workers whose observable characteristics match the requirements of enriched workplaces report higher job satisfaction than workers who were mismatched to enriched workplaces." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Fietze, Simon (2011): Arbeitszufriedenheit und Persönlichkeit. "Wer schaffen will, muss fröhlich sein!". (SOEPpapers on multidisciplinary panel data research at DIW Berlin 388), Berlin, 46 S.

Abstract

"Die Arbeitszufriedenheitsforschung hat eine fast 100-jährige Geschichte und gehört - nicht nur in der Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie - zu den am intensivsten untersuchten Gebieten. Die vielfältigen Arbeiten lassen sich grob in situative, dispositionelle und hybride Ansätze klassifizieren, je nachdem ob Arbeitsbedingungen, Persönlichkeitseigenschaften oder deren Interaktion als Determinanten betont werden. Bisher liegen wenige Studien vor, die alle Bestimmungsgrößen in einem gemeinsamen Modell betrachten. Darüber hinaus verzichten viele Studien auf einen theoretischen Bezugsrahmen, sowohl bei der Berücksichtigung von Persönlichkeitvariablen als auch um den Einfluss verschiedener Faktoren auf Zufriedenheitsäußerungen zu erklären.
Der Beitrag untersucht auf Basis des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels (SOEP) den Einfluss von Persönlichkeitseigenschaften und Arbeitsbedingungen sowie der Interaktion aus beiden Variablengruppen auf die Arbeitszufriedenheit. Hierzu werden auf das Fünf-Faktoren Modell (FFM) der Persönlichkeit (P. T. Costa und R. R. McCrae 1985; L. R. Goldberg 1981) und das Modell der beruflichen Gratifikationskrise (J. Siegrist et al. 1986) als theoretischer und konzeptioneller Bezugsrahmen zurückgegriffen. Anhand von OLS-Regression wird gezeigt, dass sowohl die Persönlichkeitsdisposition als auch (subjektive) Arbeitsbedingungen von Relevanz für die Arbeitszufriedenheit sind. Keine der Moderatorvariablen aus Arbeitssituation und Persönlichkeitseigenschaften leistet im Gesamtmodell eine signifikanten Erhöhung der Varianzaufklärung. Die höchste Erklärungskraft haben die Arbeitsbedingungen (Effort-Reward Imbalance und Autonomie). Vier der fünf Persönlichkeitseigenschaften zeigen hochsignifikante Wirkungen. Diese Befunde sprechen sowohl für einen situativen als auch einen dispositionellen Ansatz. Individuelle Arbeitsbedingungen (insb. eine geringe Effort-Reward Imbalance und hohe Autonomie) und Persönlichkeit (insb. emotionale Stabilität) spielen eine entscheidende Rolle, um höhere Arbeitszufriedenheit zu erreichen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Garcia-Serrano, Carlos (2011): Does size matter? The influence of firm size on working conditions, job satisfaction and quit intentions. In: Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Jg. 58, H. 2, S. 221-247. DOI:10.1111/j.1467-9485.2011.00544.x

Abstract

"Using a detailed survey on Spanish workers, this paper investigates the relationship between firm size and working conditions, the extent to which firm size differences in workers' job satisfaction can be accounted for by differences in their work environment and the impact of firm size on workers' quit intentions. The results indicate that: (1) employees in larger firms face a worse work environment; (2) working in large firms significantly reduces job satisfaction when no controls for working conditions are included, but taking them into account makes differentials across size categories statistically insignificant; and (3) no systematic differences exist in intentions to quit across firm size categories, irrespective of conditioning on wages." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Gerlach, Knut, Olaf Hübler & Gesine Stephan (2011): Beschäftigung zwischen Mobilität und Stabilität. Empirische Befunde und wirtschaftspolitische Folgerungen. In: Zeitschrift für ArbeitsmarktForschung, Jg. 44, H. 1/2, S. 91-102., 2011-01-10. DOI:10.1007/s12651-011-0057-7

Abstract

"Ziel dieses Beitrags ist, einen Überblick über unsere neueren Forschungsergebnisse zum Spannungsfeld der Beschäftigung zwischen Mobilität und Stabilität - aus individueller und betrieblicher Sicht sowie unter Berücksichtigung institutioneller Einflüsse - zu geben. Die vorgestellten Arbeiten gehen stärker als die bisherige Literatur auf die Interaktionen zwischen Individuum und Betrieb ein. Die Ergebnisse lassen sich vier Projektschwerpunkten zuordnen. Erstens identifizierte eine Anzahl von Studien individuelle, betriebliche und gesamtwirtschaftliche Determinanten der Beschäftigungsstabilität. Zweitens wurde die Bedeutung von Löhnen und Zufriedenheit auf Arbeitsplatzwechsel untersucht. Die Befunde zeigen unter anderem, dass höhere Arbeitsplatzsicherheit und höhere Löhne in Deutschland Hand in Hand gehen; allerdings lassen sich auch Hinweise auf kompensierende Lohndifferentiale finden. Ein dritter Schwerpunkt analysiert die Bedeutung von Institutionen für die Beschäftigungsstabilität. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass die Beschäftigung in Betrieben, die Tarifverträge anwenden, stabiler ausfällt, während betriebliche Bündnisse zumindest mittelfristig keine positiven Beschäftigungswirkungen hatten. Schließlich ging ein vierter Projektteil der Wirkung von Eingliederungszuschüssen auf Löhne und Beschäftigungsdauer nach. Dabei zeigte sich, dass geförderte Beschäftigungsverhältnisse bei ungefähr gleich hohen Einstiegslöhnen länger andauern." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Grund, Christian & Andreas Schmitt (2011): Works councils, wages, and job satisfaction. (IZA discussion paper 5464), Bonn, 26 S.

Abstract

"We investigate the effects of works councils on employees' wages and job satisfaction in general and for subgroups with respect to sex and occupational status. Making use of a German representative sample of employees, we find that employees, who move to a firm with a works council, report increases in job satisfaction, but do not receive particular wage increases. Especially the job satisfaction of female employees is affected by a change in works council status. However, we do not find support for the hypothesis that the introduction of a works council itself increases wages or job satisfaction for the employees staying at the firm." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hanglberger, Dominik & Joachim Merz (2011): Are self-employed really happier than employees? An approach modelling adaptation and anticipation effects to self-employment and general job changes. (IZA discussion paper 5629), Bonn, 29 S.

Abstract

"Empirical analyses using cross-sectional and panel data found significantly higher levels of job satisfaction for self-employed than for employees. We argue that those estimates in previous studies might be biased by neglecting anticipation and adaptation effects. For testing we specify several models accounting for anticipation and adaptation to selfemployment and job changes. Based on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Survey (SOEP) we find that becoming self-employed is associated with large negative anticipation effects. In contrast to recent literature we find no specific long term effect of selfemployment on job satisfaction. Accounting for anticipation and adaptation to job changes in general, which includes changes between employee jobs, reduces the effect of selfemployment on job satisfaction by 70%. When controlling for anticipation and adaptation to job changes, we find no further anticipation effect of self-employment and a weak positive but not significant effect of self-employment on job satisfaction for three years. Thus adaptation wipes out higher satisfaction within the first three years being self-employed. According to our results previous studies at least overestimated possible positive effects of self-employment on job satisfaction." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hanglberger, Dominik (2011): Does job satisfaction adapt to working conditions? An empirical analysis for rotating shift work, flextime, and temporary employment in UK. (FFB-Diskussionspapier 87), Lüneburg, 18 S.

Abstract

"Die Adaptionstheorie - basierend auf dem hedonic treadmill model - wurde in mehreren Studien hauptsächlich von Psychologen und Ökonomen empirisch überprüft. Der Schwerpunkt wurde dabei auf die Auswirkungen einzelner Lebensereignisse auf globale subjektive Wohlfahrtsindikatoren (Lebenszufriedenheit/Happiness) gelegt. Auf die Zufriedenheit mit einzelnen Lebensbereichen wurde die Adaptionstheorie bislang kaum angewendet. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es deshalb zu untersuchen, inwiefern die Arbeitszufriedenheit von Adaptionseffekten beeinflusst wird und welche Umstände einer individuellen Adaption an veränderte Arbeitsbedingungen förderlich bzw. hinderlich ist? Dazu analysieren wir auf Basis von bis zu 18 Wellen des British Household Panel Surveys (BHPS), wie abhängig Beschäftigte in ihrer subjektiven Bewertung der Arbeitssituation auf die Einführung von Gleitzeitregelungen, die Arbeit in Wechselschichtsystemen und befristete Beschäftigungsverhältnisse reagieren. Unsere auf fixed-effects Regressionsmodellen basierenden Analysen zeigen, dass das Adaptionspotential je nach Arbeitsplatzmerkmal deutlich variiert. Während positive Effekte von Gleitzeitregelungen auf die Arbeitszufriedenheit voll adaptiert werden, findet sich für die befristete Beschäftigung nur eine teilweise Adaption. Für die Arbeit in Wechselschichtsystemen zeigt sich ein dauerhaft negativer Effekt auf die Arbeitszufriedenheit, also kein Adaptionseffekt." (Textauszug, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Hanglberger, Dominik (2011): Arbeitszufriedenheit im internationalen Vergleich. (FFB-Diskussionspapier 86), 43 S.

Abstract

"Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, Niveaus und Bestimmungsfaktoren der Arbeitszufriedenheit von abhängig Beschäftigten in Europa zu vergleichen. Dafür werden Daten aus dem European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) 2005 für 31 europäische Staaten ausgewertet. Neben detaillierten Informationen über Art und Ausgestaltung der Arbeit liegen dafür Personen- und Haushaltsinformationen sowie objektive und subjektive Einkommensinformationen vor. Ordered-Probit Regressionsmodelle für alle 31 Länder sowie getrennte Schätzungen für fünf Ländergruppen mit unterschiedlichen Wohlfahrtsniveaus und unterschiedlicher Ausgestaltung der Wohlfahrtsstaaten zeigen, dass die Erklärungsmuster der Arbeitszufriedenheit nicht einheitlich sind. Über alle Länder zeigt sich ein starkes Gewicht der subjektiven Bewertung des Einkommens, die nur in Skandinavien und Kontinentaleuropa nicht die stärkste Einflussgröße darstellt. Bezüglich der Arbeitszeiten zeigt sich in Ländern mit niedrigerem Wohlstandsniveau ein geringerer negativer Einfluss, wenn Arbeitszeiten mit privaten Verpflichtungen kollidieren. In Großbritannien und Irland spielt die Sicherheit des Arbeitsplatzes eine größere Rolle als in den übrigen betrachteten Ländern. Die Autonomie bei der Organisation der Arbeitsaufgaben findet sich nur in Staaten mit hohem Wohlstandsniveau (Großbritannien, Irland, Kontinentaleuropa und Skandinavien) unter den zehn stärksten Einflüssen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Hanglberger, Dominik (2011): Arbeitszeiten außerhalb der Normalarbeitszeit nehmen weiter zu. Eine Analyse zu Arbeitszeitarrangements und Arbeitszufriedenheit. In: Informationsdienst Soziale Indikatoren H. 46, S. 12-16.

Abstract

"Die Arbeitszeitpolitik der vergangenen Jahre zielte vielfach auf eine Flexibilisierung der Arbeitszeiten. Ein Grund für diese Flexibilisierungspolitik ist in der Flexibilisierung der Produktmärkte zu sehen. Durch eine Ausweitung der Ladenöffnungszeiten und dem Übergang zum Ausgleich von Nachfrageschwankungen nicht über die Lagerhaltung, sondern über die Produktionsmenge (Bosch 2003) haben flexible Arbeitszeitformen in Deutschland an Bedeutung gewonnen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird im Folgenden beschrieben, wie sich die Verbreitung von Wochenend-, Abend- und Nachtarbeit seit 1995 in Deutschland entwickelt hat. Zudem wird auf die Nutzung unterschiedlicher Regelungen zum Ausgleich von Überstunden eingegangen. In einer Regressionsanalyse basierend auf Paneldaten wird die Frage untersucht, wie sich unterschiedliche Formen flexibler Arbeitszeiten auf die Arbeitszufriedenheit als Indikator der Qualität der Arbeit aus Sicht der Erwerbstätigen auswirken" (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Hardering, Friedericke & Stefan Bergheim (2011): Sicherheit macht zufrieden. Wie Verunsicherung die Zufriedenheit mit der Arbeit beeinträchtigt. Frankfurt, M., 33 S.

Abstract

Untersucht werden die Auswirkungen der wahrgenommene Arbeitsplatzunsicherheit auf die Arbeitszufriedenheit. Hierzu werden einschlägige Studien für Deutschland ausgewertet. Arbeitsplatzunsicherheit hängt nicht nur von der eigenen Beschäftigungssituation ab, sondern ebenso von der Einschätzung der Folgen, die eine Kündigung nach sich ziehen kann. Die wahrgenommene Wahrscheinlichkeit des sozialen Abstiegs wie auch die erwarteten Konsequenzen desselben werden wiederum stark durch den sozialen Vergleich beeinflusst. Zudem fliest die aktuelle Konjunkturlage in die wahrgenommene Arbeitsplatzunsicherheit ein. Die Schlussfolgerungen dieser Studie sind: Für mehr Zufriedenheit mit der Arbeit ist nicht nur die Verbesserung der unmittelbaren Arbeitsbedingungen und die Vermeidung von Arbeitslosigkeit wichtig, sondern insbesondere die Verringerung der Arbeitsplatzunsicherheit in der Gesellschaft. Breite Wohlfahrtsmaße sollten neben dem subjektiven Wohlbefinden auch ein Maß für gesellschaftliche Verunsicherung einschließen. Die psychologischen Kosten, die durch Verunsicherung bei 'objektiv' sicher Beschäftigten entstehen, müssen mehr Berücksichtigung finden. (IAB)

Zitatform

Herzer, Dierk & Peter Nunnenkamp (2011): Income inequality and health. New evidence from panel data. (Kieler Arbeitspapier 1736), Kiel, 34 S.

Abstract

"This paper argues that previous cross-country (panel) studies on the relationship between income inequality and health suffer from significant biases due to (i) omitted country-specific factors, (ii) endogeneity, and (iii) cross-country heterogeneity in the impact of inequality on health. Using panel cointegration techniques that are robust to omitted variables, endogenous regressors, and slope heterogeneity, we find that income inequality has, on average, a small, but robust and statistically significant positive impact on population health. Also, there is some evidence that inequality is endogenous in the sense that poor health leads to increased income inequality. Finally, we find that there are large cross-country differences in the effect of income inequality on health (in about 35 percent of the cases, the effect is negative)." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

(2011): Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie. Modul der Arbeitskräfteerhebung 2010. Wien, 226 S., CD-ROM.

Abstract

"Erwerbsbeteiligung und das Ausmaß ihrer Erwerbsarbeit sind geringer, in weiterer Folge ist das Einkommen niedriger als jenes der Männer. Auch die Auswirkungen von Betreuungsverpflichtungen für Kinder und hilfsbedürftige Erwachsene auf die Erwerbstätigkeit betreffen Frauen in einem stärkeren Ausmaß als Männer. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde im Jahr 2010 die EU weite Arbeitskräfteerhebung um ein Zusatzmodul mit dem Thema 'Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie' erweitert. Im Zentrum des Frageprogramms des Moduls standen 15- bis 64-jährige Personen mit Betreuungsverpflichtungen für hilfs- oder pflegebedürftige Erwachsene oder für Kinder unter 15 Jahren. Der Schwerpunkt lag dabei auf Fragen zu Einschränkungen der Teilnahme am Erwerbsleben durch fehlende oder nicht geeignete Betreuungsangebote. Ein weiterer Abschnitt befasste sich mit der Häufigkeit und der Dauer von Unterbrechungen der beruflichen Tätigkeit nach der Geburt eines Kindes. Des Weiteren wurde erhoben, ob Männer und Frauen ihre Arbeitszeit nach der Geburt eines Kindes für die Kinderbetreuung reduzieren. Ein Aspekt des Moduls befasste sich ferner mit dem Grad an Arbeitszeitflexibilität im Hinblick auf die Vereinbarkeit von Betreuungsaufgaben und Erwerbstätigkeit." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Holman, David & Charlotte McClelland (2011): Job quality in growing and declining economic sectors of the EU. (Walqing working paper 2011-03), Manchester, 138 S.

Abstract

"To provide a detailed review and analysis of job quality in new and growing sectors of the EU economy, it is necessary to conduct a review of the current literature on job quality in Europe and also to conduct new analyses on this topic. As such, this report has three main aims. The first aim is to review the current literature for evidence of the nature and effects of job quality in growing and declining sectors within the EU. In particular, we seek to identify the level of job quality within growing and declining sectors and to compare the level of job quality between growing and declining sectors. The second aim is to examine how the level of job quality varies between growing sectors and sub-sectors of the economy in the European Union and Norway using the European Working Conditions Survey data set from 2005. The third aim is to develop a taxonomy of job types in the European Union, to establish the job quality of these job types, and to then examine the distribution of job types in growing sectors of the European economy. Examining the distribution of job types in this way will help to provide a more nuanced understanding of the distribution of job quality in Europe. To meet these aims, the report has four parts. Part 1 discusses the concept of job quality and provides a definition that is used throughout the report. Parts 2, 3 and 4 address the first, second and third aims of the report respectively.
In this report we define job quality as the extent to which a job has factors that promote valued outcomes for the employee. The main factors of a job are areas and dimensions of job quality are (1) work quality, which includes the dimension of work organisation, (2) employment quality, which includes the dimensions of wages and payment system, and security and flexibility, (3) and empowerment quality, which includes the dimensions of skills and development, and engagement and representation. The main valued outcomes of job for an employee are defined as well-being (i.e., physical and psychological well-being) and performance. In this report we focus in particular on employee well-being as the main valued outcome of the job." (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Iammarino, Simona & Elisabetta Marinelli (2011): Is the grass greener on the other side of the fence? Graduate mobility and job satisfaction in Italy. In: Environment and Planning. A, International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Jg. 43, H. 11, S. 2761-2777. DOI:10.1068/a44126

Abstract

"This paper explores the links between spatial mobility and job-related well-being for young Italian graduates. Theoretically it posits that mobility and job satisfaction can be related indirectly, as migration may provide access to new or better job opportunities, and directly, as mobility generates expectations on the outcome of the move. Methodologically it applies sample-selection ordered logit to a survey of graduates conducted by the Italian National Statistical Institute (ISTAT). The paper investigates how personal characteristics and employment features, together with migration behaviour, impact on several domains of job satisfaction, comparing the graduates from Southern regions - ie, the backward Mezzogiorno - to those of the Centre - North of Italy. Our most novel results indicate that, whilst indirect effects are qualitatively similar for both Southern and Centre - Northern graduates, direct effects are not. This highlights that geography affects satisfaction by shaping individual expectations, adding another dimension to the long-standing debate on Italian spatial inequality." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Kalleberg, Arne L. (2011): Good jobs, bad jobs. The rise of polarized and precarious employment systems in the United States, 1970s to 2000s. (American Sociological Association's Rose Series in Sociology), New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 292 S.

Abstract

"The economic boom of the 1990s veiled a grim reality: in addition to the growing gap between rich and poor, the gap between good and bad quality jobs was also expanding. The postwar prosperity of the mid-twentieth century had enabled millions of American workers to join the middle class, but as the author shows, by the 1970s this upward movement had slowed, in part due to the steady disappearance of secure, well-paying industrial jobs. Ever since, precarious employment has been on the rise - paying low wages, offering few benefits, and with virtually no long-term security. Today, the polarization between workers with higher skill levels and those with low skills and low wages is more entrenched than ever. The book traces this trend to large-scale transformations in the American labor market and the changing demographics of low-wage workers. The author draws on nearly four decades of survey data, as well as his own research, to evaluate trends in U.S. job quality and suggest ways to improve American labor market practices and social policies. The book provides an insightful analysis of how and why precarious employment is gaining ground in the labor market and the role these developments have played in the decline of the middle class. The author shows that by the 1970s, government deregulation, global competition, and the rise of the service sector gained traction, while institutional protections for workers - such as unions and minimum-wage legislation - weakened. Together, these forces marked the end of postwar security for American workers. The composition of the labor force also changed significantly; the number of dual-earner families increased, as did the share of the workforce comprised of women, non-white, and immigrant workers. Of these groups, blacks, Latinos, and immigrants remain concentrated in the most precarious and low-quality jobs, with educational attainment being the leading indicator of who will earn the highest wages and experience the most job security and highest levels of autonomy and control over their jobs and schedules." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Krause, Annabelle (2011): Work to live or live to work? Unemployment, happiness, and culture. (IZA discussion paper 6101), Bonn, 20 S.

Abstract

"Happiness drops when individuals become unemployed. The negative impact of the unemployment shock, however, may differ by cultural background. To test the hypothesis of a 'Teutonic work ethic', this paper takes advantage of Switzerland in its cultural diversity. By comparing different cultural groups in the same institutional setting, I empirically test whether such deep psychological traits have an influence on how unemployment is perceived. It is found that unemployment has a significantly negative effect on life satisfaction in Switzerland. I furthermore present evidence which confirms to some extent the hypothesis that Swiss German individuals suffer more from unemployment, although for the most part, these results are without statistical significance. Swiss Germans are additionally found to be happier than their French-speaking compatriots - independent of whether they are unemployed. This difference between Romanic and Germanic cultural backgrounds is in line with previous findings, but deserves further research attention." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Kuhnke-Wagner, I.-A. & J. Heidenreich (2011): Gratifikationskrisen und die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Privatleben bei Führungskräften. In: Arbeitsmedizin, Sozialmedizin, Umweltmedizin, Jg. 46, H. 9, S. 524-528.

Abstract

"Ziel der Studie bei Führungskräften war die Untersuchung von psychosozialen Arbeitsbelastungen in Form von Gratifikationskrisen im Zusammenhang mit der Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Privatleben. Zusätzlich war der Gedanke an eine Berufsaufgabe von Interesse. Kollektiv und Methode: Im Rahmen einer Querschnittsstudie wurden 154 Führungskräfte mithilfe des Fragebogens zum Modell beruflicher Gratifikationskrisen, der Skala Work-(family) privacy conflict und der Frage zum Gedanken an eine Berufsaufgabe befragt. Mit dem Modell beruflicher Gratifikationskrisen wird ein Ungleichgewicht von Verausgabung und Belohnung in der Arbeitswelt erfasst. Zusätzlich zum Gesamtquotienten von Verausgabung und Belohnung erfolgte eine getrennte Betrachtung der drei Belohnungsdimensionen (Wertschätzung/ Anerkennung, Bezahlung/beruflicher Aufstieg, Arbeitsplatzsicherheit). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Privatleben negativ mit der Wochenarbeitszeit, dem Quotienten von Verausgabung und Belohnung, einer übersteigerten beruflichen Verausgabungsneigung sowie dem Gedanken an eine Berufsaufgabe während der letzten 12 Monate korreliert. Bei einer getrennten Betrachtung der drei Belohnungsdimensionen weist die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Privatleben und der Quotient von Verausgabung und Wertschätzung/Anerkennung den stärksten Zusammenhang auf. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass die drei Belohnungsdimensionen für die befragten Führungskräfte unterschiedlich relevant sind. Es kann angenommen werden, dass eine Kultur der Wertschätzung und Anerkennung in Organisationen einen maßgeblichen Anteil zur Vermeidung von Gratifikationskrisen beitragen kann." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Lepperhoff, Julia (2011): Qualität von Arbeit. Messen - analysieren - umsetzen. In: Aus Politik und Zeitgeschichte H. 11, S. 32-37.

Abstract

"Die Qualität von Arbeit ist durch ihre Vielschichtigkeit und den arbeitsmarktpolitischen Kontext nur schwer messbar. Noch schwieriger ist es aber, sie angesichts des Vorrangs von Beschäftigungswachstum politisch umzusetzen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Lesch, Hagen, Holger Schäfer & Jörg Schmidt (2011): Arbeitszufriedenheit in Deutschland. Messkonzepte und empirische Befunde. (IW-Analysen 70), Köln, 83 S.

Abstract

"Notwendiges Übel oder Lebensaufgabe - wie zufrieden sind die Deutschen mit ihrer Arbeit wirklich? Dieser Frage sind die IW-Wissenschaftler Hagen Lesch, Holger Schäfer und Jörg Schmidt in ihrer Analyse nachgegangen. Ihre Untersuchungen nehmen einerseits verschiedene Befunde unter die Lupe, wobei ein besonderes kritisches Augenmerk dem Index des Deutschen Gewerkschaftsbundes (DGB) 'Gute Arbeit' gilt. Andererseits entwickeln die Autoren selbst eine eigene Untersuchungsmethode und überprüfen mit Daten des Sozio-ökonomischen Panels, wie es um die Arbeitszufriedenheit hierzulande bestellt ist. Fazit: Die meisten Beschäftigten sind zufriedener, als es der DGB glauben machen möchte. Auch die Konjunktur hat wenig Einfluss darauf, ob sich Arbeitnehmer wohl an ihrem Platz fühlen. Vor allem Selbstständige und Auszubildende haben wenig an ihrem Job auszusetzen. Generell gilt: Wer komplexe Aufgaben hat, dabei aber Ruhe hat sowohl im privaten als auch beruflichen Leben, der ist meist zufrieden. Über- und Unterforderte, befristet Beschäftigte und Arbeitnehmer, die unter gesundheitlichen Problemen leiden oder einer anderen Arbeit nachgehen als der erlernten, kämpfen dagegen eher mit Unzufriedenheit." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Longhi, Simonetta (2011): Impact of cultural diversity on wages and job satisfaction in England. (Norface migration discussion paper 2011-10), London, 20 S.

Abstract

"This paper combines individual data from the British Household Panel Survey and yearly population estimates for England to analyse the impact of cultural diversity on individual wages and on different aspects of job satisfaction. Do people living in more diverse areas have higher wages and job satisfaction after controlling for other observable characteristics? The results show that cultural diversity is positively associated with wages, but only when cross-section data are used. Panel data estimations show that there is no impact of diversity. Using instrumental variables to account for endogeneity also show that diversity has no impact." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Michenthaler, Georg (2011): Beschäftigte in der Forschung. Analyse der Arbeitsbedingungen und der Arbeitszufriedenheit auf Grundlage des österreichischen Arbeitsklima-Index. (Beiträge zur Wirtschaftspolitik 31), Wien, 50 S.

Abstract

"Der nicht zuletzt in der Lissabon-Strategie der EU vorgezeichnete Weg Europas von der industriellen Produktions- in die Wissensgesellschaft rückt die Herstellung und Vermittlung von Wissen ins Zentrum des Interesses. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit verdient in diesem Zusammenhang die Lebens- und Arbeitssituation der Beschäftigten in Forschung und Entwicklung, die zur Erreichung dieses Ziels maßgeblich beitragen. Um einen Blick in deren Arbeitsverhältnisse zu gewinnen, wurde nun das Institut für empirische Sozialforschung (IFES) wurde von der Arbeiterkammer Wien mit der Durchführung einer repräsentativen Befragung von Forschungsbeschäftigten in Österreich beauftragt. In dem Bericht werden die Hauptergebnisse der im letzten Quartal 2010 und im ersten Quartal 2011 durchgeführten - schriftlichen sowie telefonischen - Befragung dargestellt. Besondere Aktualität gewinnen die Befragungsergebnisse dadurch, dass eben in diesem Zeitraum die von der Bundesregierung geplanten Kürzungen der Förderungen von Forschungseinrichtungen publik wurden. Primäre Zielsetzung der Studie ist die Berechnung des Arbeitsklima Index für Beschäftigte in der Forschung sowie die vergleichende Darstellung einzelner Aspekte der Arbeitssituation dieser Berufsgruppe aus deren subjektiven Sicht. Ausgeklammert aus der Betrachtung wurden einerseits die universitäre Forschung, andererseits die den öffentlichen Einrichtungen zuzurechnenden Forschungsbereiche wie Forschungsaktivitäten seitens des Bundes, der Länder, der Gemeinden oder etwa auch von Museen u.ä. Grundgesamtheit der Untersuchung waren somit jene von der Statistik Austria in der 'Erhebung über Forschung und experimentelle Entwicklung 2007 - Unternehmenssektor' - in Vollzeitäquivalenten - ausgewiesenen rund 20.000 WissenschaftlerInnen und rund 14.000 Angehörigen des höher qualifizierten nichtwissenschaftlichen Personals im privatwirtschaftlichen bzw. kooperativen Bereich, die - als Haupttätigkeit oder temporär projektbezogen - im engeren Sinn mit Forschungsaufgaben wissenschaftlicher oder nichtwissenschaftlicher Art befasst sind, nicht jedoch Hilfs- oder administrative Kräfte. Es handelt sich dabei sowohl um Beschäftigte in spezifischen Forschungseinrichtungen, aber auch um solche in F&E-Abteilungen größerer Unternehmen der Produktions- und Dienstleistungssektoren. Vom Projektteam der Arbeiterkammer und der GPA-djp wurden eine Reihe von forschungsleitenden Fragestellungen und Thesen zur Berufsarbeit von Forschungsbeschäftigten eingebracht, die implizit oder explizit den Fokus der vorliegenden Analyse bilden - wie z.B.: - Charakter der ForscherInnenlaufbahnen, Karrierewege in der Forschung - insbesondere auch unter dem Gender-Aspekt - Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten, 'Freiheit der Forschung' - Arbeitsstrukturen - Teamarbeit vs. Einzelkämpfertum - Führungskompetenzen und Konfliktfähigkeit - Reputation bzw. Status von ForscherInnen in der Gesellschaft - Tätigkeitsumfang: von 'reiner' Forschung bis zu Akquisition, ForscherInnen als 'Mädchen für alles' - Familie-Beruf, Arbeitszeiten, Doppelbelastungen - Gesundheitsbedingungen, Sicherheit." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Muffels, Ruud & Bauke Kemperman (2011): Does a better job match makes women happier? Work orientations, work-care choices and subjective well-being in Germany. (SOEPpapers on multidisciplinary panel data research at DIW Berlin 361), Berlin, 36 S.

Abstract

"The study examines the effects of work orientations and work-leisure choices alongside the effect of genes or personality traits on subjective well-being (SWB). The former effects are assumed to be mediated by the match between women's preferred and actual number of working hours indicating labor market and time constraints. Data come from 24 waves of the German (SOEP) Household Panel (1984-2007). Random and fixed-effect panel regression models are estimated. Work orientations and work-leisure choices indeed matter for women's SWB but the effects are strongly mediated by the job match especially for younger birth cohorts and higher educated women. Therefore, apart from the impact of genes or personality traits preferences and choices as well as labor market and time constraints matter significantly for the well-being of women, providing partial support to the role (scarcity-expansion) theory and the combination pressure thesis while at the same time challenging set-point theory." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Muñoz de Bustillo, Rafael, Enrique Fernández-Macías, Fernando Esteve & José-Ignacio Antón (2011): E pluribus unum? A critical survey of job quality indicators. In: Socio-economic review, Jg. 9, H. 3, S. 447-475. DOI:10.1093/ser/mwr005

Abstract

"In recent years, there has been growing concern in Europe about the lack of an established comparable measure of job quality to complement the widely accepted quantitative indicators in the formulation and evaluation of European employment policies. The aim of this paper is to offer a guided tour around the different views and existing proposals of job quality indicators, mainly from a European perspective. First, we discuss the methodological decisions that have to be made in the process of designing an indicator of job quality, from both a theoretical and methodological/technical perspective. Second, these arguments are used to discuss critically the different empirical approaches to the measurement of job quality proposed in the literature. We finish by presenting some recommendations for the construction of a job quality index for policy purposes." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Parker, Louise, Duncan Watson & Robert Webb (2011): Family fortunes. Gender-based differences in the impact of employment and home characteristics on satisfaction levels. In: The Journal of Socio-Economics, Jg. 40, H. 3, S. 259-264. DOI:10.1016/j.socec.2011.01.009

Abstract

"The preponderance of subjective well-being analysis investigates the peripheral impact of objective measures such as income. By shifting the focus towards family satisfaction, this paper offers an alternative perspective. Through the incorporation of both employment and home characteristics, it provides an opportunity to integrate the analysis of work-life balance with the expansive wider literature of job satisfaction. Our estimates generate two key findings. First, as is frequently found in the employment literature, we confirm the existence of significant gender differences in family satisfaction. Second, the belief that home ownership is necessarily a significant source of well-being is rejected." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Pouliakas, Konstantinos & Nikolaos Theodoropoulos (2011): The effect of variable pay schemes on workplace absenteeism. (IZA discussion paper 5941), Bonn, 39 S.

Abstract

"We estimate the effect of variable pay schemes on workplace absenteeism using two cross sections of British establishments. Private sector establishments that explicitly link pay with individual performance are found to have significantly lower absence rates. This effect is stronger for establishments that offer variable pay schemes to a greater share of their non-managerial workforce. Matched employer-employee data suggest that the effect is robust to a number of sensitivity tests. We also find that firms that tie a greater proportion of employees' earnings to variable pay schemes are also found to experience lower absence rates. Further, quintile regression results suggest that variable pay schemes have a stronger effect on establishments with an absence rate that is higher than an average or 'sustainable' level. Finally, panel data suggest that a feedback mechanism is present, whereby high absenteeism in the past is related to a greater future incidence of individual variable pay schemes, which, in turn, is correlated with lower absence rates." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Rosenstiel, Lutz von (2011): Employee behavior in organizations. On the current state of research. In: Management Revue, Jg. 22, H. 4, S. 344-366. DOI:10.1688/1861-9908_mrev_2011_04_Rosenstiel

Abstract

"The article gives an overview about scientific research on individual behavior in organizations. A number of reasons are discussed why it is difficult to obtain a coherent body of knowledge about this topic, some of them meta-theoretical and methodological, others political, organizational and ideological, e.g. the existence of different schools of psychology, one-sided and interest-laden views, the dominance of survey methodology, measurement problems, the submission of researchers to dominant styles of publishing. The article further reports on main insights about the effects of stable and variable personal traits, and of situational conditions on employee behavior and about practical consequences. The conclusion is that there is a lot of well-founded knowledge, especially about the aptitudes of employees, but on the other hand one finds remarkable ignorance on behaviour which has no direct relation to performance and on the impacts of specific work and organizational conditions." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Sanders, Jos, Luc Dorenbosch, Rob Gründemann & Roland Blonk (2011): Sustaining the work ability and work motivation of lower-educated older workers. Directions for work redesign. In: Management revue, Jg. 22, H. 2, S. 132-150.

Abstract

"This study examines directions for work redesign which might lead to the creation of sustainable jobs for lower-educated older workers (45 years or over, ISCED 0-2) and thus motivate and enable them to extend their working lives. We use longitudinal data on 1,264 older Dutch workers collected by the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study to analyse the characteristics of the work of lower-educated older workers and how these differ from those of higher-educated older workers. The aim is to determine whether work redesign initiatives directed to these characteristics might have the desired effect of enhancing work ability and/or work motivation. This study is unique in its focus on lower-educated older workers as a target group for active ageing policies at the EU, national and company HR levels, and also in its focus on work redesign rather than the training or improvement of the health of workers. Our findings suggest that redesigning social work characteristics can be a first step in developing sustainable jobs for lower-educated older workers. Moreover, a redesign of contextual work characteristics also seems promising." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Schokkaert, Erik, Luc Van Ootegem & Elsy Verhofstadt (2011): Preferences and subjective satisfaction: Measuring well-being on the job for policy evaluation. In: CESIfo Economic Studies, Jg. 57, H. 4, S. 683-714. DOI:10.1093/cesifo/ifr018

Abstract

"Behavioural welfare economics has raised doubts about the use of revealed preferences as an indicator of 'true' individual well-being. Subjective satisfaction ('happiness') measures have become increasingly popular, as they seem to avoid paternalism while at the same time not being dependent on observed choice behaviour. We argue that there is a clash between using subjective satisfaction and respecting preferences, because the former also depends on aspirations. We propose the equivalent income indicator as an alternative cardinalization of the utility function. It does respect preferences but does not depend on aspirations. We apply our general ideas to one specific policy domain: monitoring job quality as individual well-being on the job. Our empirical results about the quality of jobs for school-leavers in Flanders show that the choice of a specific indicator of well-being is highly relevant from a policy point of view. The most popular measures that are in use now (the paternalist equal weights-indicator and subjective job satisfaction) may be misleading if they are not complemented by information about the other indicators." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Sell, Lea & Bryan Cleal (2011): Job satisfaction, work environment, and rewards. Motivational theory revisited. In: Labour, Jg. 25, H. 1, S. 1-23. DOI:10.1111/j.1467-9914.2010.00496.x

Abstract

"A model of job satisfaction integrating economic and work environment variables was developed and used for testing interactions between rewards and work environment hazards. Data came from a representative panel of Danish employees. Results showed that psychosocial work environment factors, like information about decisions concerning the work place, social support, and influence, have significant impacts on the level of job satisfaction. Maximizing rewards did not compensate public employees to an extent that ameliorated the negative effects on job satisfaction of experiencing low levels of any of these factors whereas influence did not impact job satisfaction of private employees." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Siebert, W. S., Fei Peng & Yasheng Maimaiti (2011): HRM practices and performance of family-run workplaces. Evidence from the 2004 WERS. (IZA discussion paper 5899), Bonn, 42 S.

Abstract

"This paper analyses HRM practices of family-run workplaces using the 2004 WERS. Familyownership and management within workplaces in the corporate sector is our focus. This family-run group represents nationally about 26% of workplaces and 14% of employment. We find that employees in this group have stronger feelings of job security and loyalty, which we relate to family companies' HRM practices such as stronger support for long-term employment - an 'inclusivity' linked to long-term orientation. We also find that family-owned and managed workplaces have better financial and quality performance measures than nonfamily, to which family-related HRM practices contribute." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Taipale, Sakari, Kirsikka Selander, Timo Anttila & Jouko Nätti (2011): Work engagement in eight European countries. The role of job demands, autonomy, and social support. In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Jg. 31, H. 7/8, S. 486-504. DOI:10.1108/01443331111149905

Abstract

"Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the level and predictors of work engagement among service sector employees in eight European countries.
Design/methodology/approach - The work seeks to discover if job demands and resources, i.e. job autonomy and social support, affect work engagement in differing ways in different countries when socio-demographical variables and work-related factors are controlled. The study is based on a statistical analysis of survey data from Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, The Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden and the UK in 2007 (n=7,867). The data represent four economic sectors: retail trade, finance and banking, telecoms and public hospitals.
Findings - The results show that the level of work engagement varies not only between countries but also between those four economic sectors within each country. Additionally, the findings indicate that demands decrease work engagement, while autonomy and support increase it. Although the effects are mainly the same across the countries, the article also points out some exceptions in this regard.
Originality/value - Although the paper is built upon established theories about job demands and autonomy, it uses a newer work engagement approach, produces cross-national knowledge about work engagement and its predictors. Cross-national approaches to work engagement are still rare." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Vandekerckhove, Sem & Monique Ramioul (2011): Patterns of growth and changing quality of work in Europe. (Walqing working paper 2011-02), Leuven, 44 S.

Abstract

Die Bestrebungen der EU laufen darauf hinaus, Wirtschaftswachstum durch eine wissensintensive Wirtschaft mit mehr und besseren Arbeitsplätzen zu erreichen. In der Arbeit wird ausgeführt, dass die Qualität der Jobs eine sehr große Bedeutung für die Lebensqualität hat und von größerer Bedeutung ist als das Wachstum. Für einige Branchen (Bauwesen, Handel, Hotel und Restaurants, Informationstechnik, Gesundheitswesen) werden empirische Daten verwendet, um Wachstumsmuster zu erkennen. Mit Ausnahme der Informationstechnik (die überall wächst) sind die Wachstumsmuster geographisch unterschiedlich. (IAB)

Zitatform

Volmer, Judith & Daniel Spurk (2011): Protean and bounderyless career attitudes: relationships with subjective and objective career success. In: Zeitschrift für ArbeitsmarktForschung, Jg. 43, H. 3, S. 207-218. DOI:10.1007/s12651-010-0037-3

Abstract

"Die proteische und entgrenzte Laufbahneinstellung haben seit einigen Jahren besondere Beachtung gefunden. Eine proteische Laufbahneinstellung beinhaltet, dass eine Person nach einer fortschreitenden Entwicklung und Selbstverwirklichung strebt; eine entgrenzte Laufbahneinstellung ist durch eine hohe physische und/oder psychische Mobilität gekennzeichnet. Dieser Beitrag verfolgt zwei Zielsetzungen: Erstens möchten wir den Zusammenhang zwischen proteischen und entgrenzten Laufbahneinstellungen mit subjektivem (d.?h. Karrierezufriedenheit und Erfolg im Vergleich mit Kollegen) sowie objektivem (d.?h. Beförderung und Gehalt) Berufserfolg untersuchen. Zweitens möchten wir Forschung zu proteischen und entgrenzten Laufbahneinstellungen mit Forschung zu Prädiktoren von Berufserfolg verknüpfen. Wir analysieren den Zusammenhang zwischen Laufbahneinstellung und Berufserfolg anhand einer Stichprobe von 116 Berufstätigen. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Komponenten der proteischen Laufbahneinstellung eher mit subjektivem Erfolg und Komponenten der entgrenzten Laufbahneinstellung eher mit objektivem Erfolg zusammen hängen. Folgerungen bezüglich der Relevanz von Laufbahneinstellungen für den Berufserfolg werden abgeleitet." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Watkins, Todd A. & Thomas Hyclak (2011): Why are quit rates lower among defense contractors? In: Industrial relations, Jg. 50, H. 4, S. 573-590. DOI:10.1111/j.1468-232X.2011.00653.x

Abstract

"This paper presents empirical evidence of lower quit rates at small manufacturers with defense contracts and examines whether this is associated with differences in their human resource policies and organizational practices and strategies. We take advantage of an original data set to compare labor quits, workforce skills, and occupational structure between defense-contracting and noncontracting small manufacturers in eastern Pennsylvania. We find that the remarkably large defense contractor advantage in quit rates - 7 percentage points - is almost totally explained by differences in skills, operational strategies, and workforce management and training practices, suggesting a mediation effect through these HR practices. Defense-contracting status emerges as an important overlooked variable in HRM studies." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Wheatley, Dan, Irene Hardill & Bruce Philp (2011): 'Managing' reductions in working hours: A study of work-time and leisure preferences in UK industry. In: Review of Political Economy, Jg. 23, H. 3, S. 409-420. DOI:10.1080/09538259.2011.583832

Abstract

"This paper, which is predicated on the view that reductions in work-time are generally desirable, explores the working hours of managers and professionals in UK industry. Managers and professionals are often grouped together in empirical and theoretical work, e.g. in the literature on the professional-managerial class, and Goldthorpe's 'Service Class'. Nevertheless, there are differences: professionals, historically, are autonomous workers; the role of managers, in contrast, is to extract work from others on behalf of the organisation. Using data collected from the 2005 Labour Force Survey we establish there are statistically significant empirical differences between managers and professionals; one of these differences is in attitudes to work-time. We theorise that this is because managers' roles align their attitudes with those desired by the firm or organisation, and we conclude that, as a consequence, the 'voluntary' nature of work-time regulation should be revisited." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

White, Michael & Alex Bryson (2011): HRM and workplace motivation. Incremental and threshold effects. (NIESR discussion paper 381), London, 33 S.

Abstract

"The HRM-performance linkage often invokes an assumption of increased employee commitment to the organization and other positive effects of a motivational type. We present a theoretical framework in which motivational effects of HRM are conditional on its intensity, utilizing especially the idea of HRM 'bundling'. We then analyse the association between HRM practices and employees' organisational commitment (OC) and intrinsic job satisfaction (IJS). HRM practices have significantly positive relationships with OC and IJS chiefly at high levels of implementation, but with important distinctions between the domain-level analysis (comprising groups of practices for specific domains such as employee development) and the across-domain or HRM-system level. Findings support a threshold interpretation of the link between HRM domains and employee motivation, but at the system-level both incremental and threshold models receive some support." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Wittmer, Jenell L. S. & James E. Martin (2011): Effects of scheduling perceptions on attitudes and mobility in different part-time employee types. In: Journal of vocational behavior, Jg. 78, H. 1, S. 149-158. DOI:10.1016/j.jvb.2010.07.004

Abstract

"Recent research supports the existence of a typology of part-time employees with demographic and behavioral differences. This research suggests that part-timers should not be viewed as one homogenous group and that certain part-time employee groups have fixed external role attachments, while others have more flexible attachments. Applying the part-time typology and the classification of fixed versus flexible attachments from previous research, the current study examines differences in the relationships among scheduling perceptions, job attitudes, and employment mobility for part-timers. Consistent with Partial Inclusion Theory, we found that part-time workers classified as having more fixed outside role attachments have lower organizational commitment, job satisfaction, employment mobility, work status congruence, scheduling control, and scheduling satisfaction than those classified as having more flexible outside role attachments. Additionally, the flexibility of external role attachments moderates the relationship between scheduling variables and job attitudes and employment mobility. Implications for management and research are discussed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Wulfgramm, Melike (2011): Can activating labour market policy offset the detrimental life satisfaction effect of unemployment? In: Socio-economic review, Jg. 9, H. 3, S. 477-501. DOI:10.1093/ser/mwr006

Abstract

"Unemployment has persistently been found to severely decrease the life satisfaction of individuals. Even after income and other socioeconomic characteristics are controlled for, the employment status remains an important determinant of happiness, pointing to non-pecuniary functions of work. But what effect does labour market policy have? Can the psychosocial functions of work be fulfilled by activation measures, offsetting the detrimental life satisfaction effect of unemployment? Analysing panel data, this paper shows that the biggest German activation programme 'One-Euro-Job' is connected to a level of life satisfaction that is significantly higher than the one of respective unemployed welfare benefit recipients. This effect is especially strong if participants perceive the measure to match their personal skills and to increase their future employment chances, but vanishes if participants perceive it as degrading. In total, satisfaction scores of participants do not match the level of the regularly employed. In contrast to these pronounced differences in cross-sectional analyses, longitudinal models show similar effects but are less statistically robust, pointing to certain selection biases." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Zagenczyk, Thomas J., Ray Gibney, W. Timothy Few & Kristin L. Scott (2011): Psychological contracts and organizational identification. The mediating effect of perceived organizational support. In: Journal of labor research, Jg. 32, H. 3, S. 254-281. DOI:10.1007/s12122-011-9111-z

Abstract

"Understanding the processes through which employees incorporate the organization's identity into their own identity is critical to building positive employer-employee relationships. We draw primarily on organizational support theory to advance the argument that psychological contract breach is negatively related to organizational identification and positively related to organizational disidentification because it makes employees believe that their organizations do not value their contributions or care about their well-being (reduces perceived organizational support). Results from two studies generally provide support for our hypotheses: in Study 1, perceived organizational support fully mediated the relationship between psychological contract breach and organizational identification. In Study 2, Time 2 perceived organizational support fully mediated the relationship between Time 1 relational psychological contract breach (e.g., promises related to training, development, job security) and organizational identification, but not the relationship between transactional psychological contract breach (e.g., promises related to pay and work hours) and organizational identification. Time 2 perceived organizational support partially mediated the relationship between relational psychological contract breach and organizational disidentification, but not the relationship between transactional psychological contract breach and organizational disidentification. We conclude that organizations should be concerned with this erosion of the positive employer-employee relationship (organizational identification) and fostering of a negative employer-employee relationship (disidentification)." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Abstract

"This report is based on 21 case studies in four sectors (electromechanical engineering, food manufacturing, financial services and insurance activities, and wholesale and retail) in six countries: Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Spain and Sweden. The aim of this research was to investigate whether and how improvement of the quality of work can boost employee and establishment's performance. Results indicate that the clearest link between quality of work and performance relates to training, skills and employability. Training contributes to improved performance mostly through increased ability to use technology and to meet customer demands. Training is also used when the potential alternative, recruitment, is a less optimal investment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))