A comparison of the effect of job demand, dicision latitude, role and supervisory style on self-reported job satisfaction

Abstract

The Abitibi-Price Supervisory Style (APSS) study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in seven branch locations in south-western Ontario. A total of 154 employees from three functional employee groups—warehouse workers, truck drivers, and inside sales personnel participated in the study. This paper compares the relative effectiveness of job demand, decision latitude, role conflict and role ambiguity, and supervisory style in modelling self-reported job satisfaction, using a subset of the APSS data. Multiple regression models were used to compare the relative effectiveness of these jobrelated stresses. Consistent with past research, these variables were independently related to job satisfaction. The research suggests, however, that supervisory styles, in terms of providing direction and communicating with employees, may play a more dominant role in the stress process than is currently appreciated. The traditionally studied role variables or demand/latitude variables were identified as potentially mediating the relationship between supervisory relationships and perceived job satisfaction. Further, supervisory relationships, either directly or mediated by other unstudied job characteristics, have significant additional influence on occupational stress that cannot be explained by the role or demand/latitude variables