A Critique of Salancik and Pfeffer's Examination of Need-Satisfaction Theories

Abstract

December 1977, volume 22 In the September 1977 issue of ASQ Gerald Salancik and Jeffrey Pfeffer presented an examination of needsatisfaction models of job attitudes. Their article included a description and evaluation of the theoretical characteristics of the model(s), an assessment of the empirical research relevant to the models, and an analysis of the practical implications of their position. This paper is a response to their views. It seeks to clarify a number of theoretical and metatheoretical issues raised, discussed, and confused by Salancik and Pfeffer, to present a more complete view of the data and concepts relevant to need theory than their examination does, and to expand the range of pragmatic and value questions raised by their presentation.,