Perceptions of work contexts: Disentangling influences at multiple levels of analysis

Abstract

Individuals' perceptions of work contexts are influenced by factors at both the individual level and the contextual level. However, methodological considerations have often resulted in researchers choosing a single level of analysis when studying perceptions of work environments. The current study investigated individual and contextual influences on teachers' satisfaction within school districts. Hierarchical Linear Models were proposed as a useful method for simultaneously assessing variation in perceptions of community support at two levels of analysis. Perceptions of support were found to vary systematically at both the individual and the organizational level. Hypotheses about different predictors of teacher perceptions at both levels of analysis and mediation across levels were supported. Implications for the assessment of employee perceptions in organizations are discussed.