Job satisfaction: Environmental and genetic components.

• DOI: 10.1037/0021-9010.74.2.187
• Publication Date: 2005-09-15T12:01:41Z
• Authors: Richard D. Arvey; Thomas J. Bouchard; Nancy L. Segal; Lauren M. Abraham
• Keywords: 0502 economics and business; 05 social sciences; 8. Economic growth

Monozygotic twins reared apart from an early age were used to test the hypothesis that there is a significant genetic component job satisfaction. Thirty-four monozygotic twin pairs who had been completed Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire as part of comprehensive work-history assessment. Three subscales formed satisfaction items reflect intrinsic, extrinsic, and general with current (or major) job. Intraclass correlations computed estimate proportion observed variability resulting factors for all three subscales. Resulting values indicated approximately 30% variance in was due factors. Additional analysis these results obtained even when characteristics such complexity, motor skill requirements, physical demands held constant via partialing methods. Finally, data heritabilities several characteristics, which consistent disposition seek remain similar environments (jobs). Implications findings theories satisfaction, selection, enrichment are discussed.