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Knowledge Workers and Job Satisfaction: Evidence from Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Clara Viñas-Bardolet

    (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, UOC)

  • Joan Torrent-Sellens

    (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, UOC)

  • Mònica Guillen-Royo

    (University of Oslo, UiO)

Abstract

This article analyzes the determinants of job satisfaction among knowledge workers (KWs). Data from a representative sample of 14,096 employed workers from the European Social Survey (2010) are used for an empirical analysis drawing on multiple binary logistic regression models. Job satisfaction among KWs in 21 EU countries is found to be explained better by non-financial characteristics than by monetary rewards. Career advancement opportunities, flexible work schedules, colleague support, and work–family relations, as well as job security, emerge as central in explaining job satisfaction among KWs in our sample. Unlike the case for other workers (OWs), opportunities for further training and career experience are not determinants of job satisfaction among KWs. Management divisions in companies employing KWs would be well-advised to take these points into account.

Suggested Citation

  • Clara Viñas-Bardolet & Joan Torrent-Sellens & Mònica Guillen-Royo, 2020. "Knowledge Workers and Job Satisfaction: Evidence from Europe," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 11(1), pages 256-280, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s13132-018-0541-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-018-0541-1
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    Cited by:

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    2. Florica Ortan & Ciprian Simut & Ramona Simut, 2021. "Self-Efficacy, Job Satisfaction and Teacher Well-Being in the K-12 Educational System," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-32, December.
    3. H. Nicolás Acosta-González & Oscar D. Marcenaro-Gutiérrez, 2024. "Bad Jobs Versus Good Jobs: Does It Matter for Life and Job Satisfaction?," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(2), pages 7647-7671, June.
    4. Ahmed M. Asfahani & Abdullah Eskandarany & Dina Abdullah Dahlan & Zia Ullah & Hina Khan & Rehana Naheed, 2024. "Empowering Women in Saudi Workforce: HR, Job Satisfaction, and Policies for Work–Life Balance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-22, October.
    5. Syed Haider Khalil & Syed Mohsin Ali Shah & Syed Majid Khalil, 2024. "Servant Leadership, Job Crafting Behaviours, and Work Outcomes: Does Employee Conscientiousness Matters?," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(1), pages 2607-2627, March.
    6. Ruubel, Raul, 2018. "Time dimensions of job autonomy in R&D work," SocArXiv n62qd, Center for Open Science.
    7. John Muzam, 2023. "The Challenges of Modern Economy on the Competencies of Knowledge Workers," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 14(2), pages 1635-1671, June.

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