Differences in the relation between job satisfaction and perceived work alternatives among older and younger blue-collar workers

Abstract

This study examines whether employee age moderates the relation between job satisfaction and perceived work alternatives among blue-collar workers. Findings from data provided by 70 nonunionized textile employees revealed that relative to younger workers, a weaker, negative relationship between perceived work alternatives and measures of general job satisfaction exists among older workers. Further analyses suggested that employee age was a moderator because it represented the impact of experience in work and nonwork settings on employee values and need fulfillment. We conclude that, for theoretical and applied reasons, greater efforts need to be made toward integrating the adult development and organizational behavior literature to understand how employee attitudes and behavior change as employees grow older.