Hierarchical Position in the Work Organization and Job Satisfaction: Findings in National Survey Data

The relationship between hierarchicalposition in the work organization and job satisfaction was examined in a national probability sample of working adults. A significant curvilinear relation was found, even when the covariates of age, income, and occupational prestige were considered. These results differ from findings in a recent multination study of selected work organizations. Discussion suggests that general population samples may be more appropriate for testing theories about work attitudes than are samples within work organizations.