Gender Differences in Work Satisfaction, Work-Related Rewards and Values, and the Determinants of Work Satisfaction

Abstract

This study investigates possible gender-related differences in perceptions of work rewards, work values, overall work satisfaction, and the determinants of work satisfaction. Data from 1385 workers representing a variety of occupations are analyzed. Basically, the analysis identifies a number of similarities as well as differences between male and female workers regarding their perceptions and attitudes about work. Additionally, two explanations of the gender-work satisfaction relationship are examined. They are the expectancy and value explanations. The available data provides conditional support for the value explanation. The implications of these findings are subsequently discussed.