Risk and willingness to work

This study is an investigation of work motivation (willingness to work), job satisfaction and risk, as well as other related dimensions. Employees of a biotech company, 210 in all, responded to an extensive questionnaire which had been constructed on the basis of a large number of preliminary interviews and focus groups. It was found that perceived risk accounted for about 50% of the variance of work motivation and job satisfaction. The most important risks were the social ones, and stress. Work motivation and job satisfaction mapped different aspects of adjustment to work, both important. Work motivation was related to performance dimensions while job satisfaction was related to intention to quit or to stay on the job. Job interest was a very important dimension, as was the supervisor's decisiveness and involvement, and the feeling of having a meaningful job.