Job Characteristics and Internal Motivation: The Moderating Effect of Interpersonal and Individual Variables

Abstract

This research examined: (a) the relationship between the internal work motivation of employees and their job performance; and (b) the moderating effect of individual growth need strength, co-worker satisfaction, and supervisory satisfaction on the relationships between several job characteristics and internal motivation. Results showed positive, significant relationships between the measure of internal motivation and employees' rated work quality, quantity, and effort. In addition, significant relationships between the job characteristics and internal motivation were obtained for employees who were desirous of growth satisfactions and who experienced high satisfaction with their supervisors and co-workers. Implications of the results for future research on job design were discussed.