An Analysis of Alternative Causal Models of Salesperson Role Perceptions and Work-Related Attitudes

Data from a salesforce of a national industrial manufacturer were used to test relationships among leadership, role conflict and ambiguity, job satisfaction, and job anxiety. Two alternative models were evaluated. One model proposes that job anxiety leads to dissatisfaction and the other that job anxiety is a consequence of dissatisfaction. Results reveal a converged theoretical model. A need for further theorizing on causal relationships among various satisfaction facets and role variables is apparent. Contrary to previous research findings, no causal linkages are found between job anxiety and satisfaction.