Job diagnostic survey dimensions: Moderating effect of growth needs and correspondence with dimensions of job rating form

Abstract

This research, using data from two groups of middle managers, was concerned with three issues: (1) the factor structure of the Job Diagnostic Survey (JDS); (2) comparison of the factor structure of the JDS with the factor structure of its companion instrument for supervisors, the Job Rating Form (JRF); and (3) the moderating effect of Growth Need Strength (GNS) on the relationships between job characteristic indices and job satisfaction measures. Factor analysis of the JDS items produced a five-factor solution. Three of the five factors resembled three of the a priori dimensions of the JDS. Also, the comparison of the factor structures of the JDS and JRF showed strong similarities for three of the five factors for each instrument. Inconsistent results were obtained in the attempt to establish the moderating role of GNS. The need for additional research was discussed.