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Internet Use and Job Satisfaction: Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Dan Zhou

    (School of Business, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411199, China)

  • Sibo Yang

    (Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Xue Li

    (School of International Business and Economics, Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, Shanghai 201620, China)

Abstract

We explore the causal effects of Internet use on job satisfaction using a sample of 83,012 Chinese labor force members aged 16–64 years from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2010 to 2018. We use ordered logistic estimation and find that Internet use significantly increases job satisfaction by 3.2%. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the Internet has a more positive impact on those who are in urban areas and have higher incomes and higher education. Our results are robust after eliminating endogeneity using instrumental variables and solving the self-selection problem using the PSM method. Our mechanistic analysis leads to similar conclusions to mainstream research, where Internet use induces job satisfaction by increasing time efficiency and enhancing job autonomy. Specifically, shorter working hours boosted job satisfaction by approximately 0.3%, while working in informal places boosted job satisfaction by 5.4%. Thus, employers may consider encouraging employees to access the Internet.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Zhou & Sibo Yang & Xue Li, 2022. "Internet Use and Job Satisfaction: Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12157-:d:924978
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jiang, Ying & Xie, Yong & Shao, Qinglong, 2024. "How did Internet usage affect life satisfaction before and after COVID-19? Mediating effects and heterogeneity analysis," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).

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