Influences of trait negative affect and situational similarity on correlation and convergence of work attitudes and job stress perceptions across two jobs

Abstract

Job attitude and work stressor measures were obtained from members of a large military reserve unit. Respondents worked part-time at the unit and full-time in a different occupation in a separate organization. Correlations of corresponding job attitudes and perceived stressors across the two jobs were significant,. but not of high magnitude. For both job stressors and work attitudes, trait negative affectivity did not explain cross job correlations. Tests of squared differences between attitudes and between job stressors also indicated no influence of trait affect. There was stronger convergence (squared difference) of intrinsic job satisfaction across jobs when differences in physical demands (physical, outdoor work versus sedentary, indoor work) were lower, suggesting that situational similarity affected convergence. Trait negative affect correlated more strongly with full-time job attitudes than with part-time job attitudes. We discuss implications for testing dispositional theories of attitudes and stress and practical attempts to improve job attitudes and reduce stress.