The relationship between achievement motivation and job satisfaction.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between achievement motivation and job satisfaction. The impact of demographic data (i.e. race, gender, age and tenure) on both achievement motivation and job satisfaction was also examined. For the purpose of this study a quantitative, non-probability convenience sampling design was used. Data was collected by means of a biographical questionnaire, The Achievement Motivation Questionnaire and Warr, Cook and Wall's Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. Questionnaires were administered to 63 employees of a retail organisation. The respondents comprised of managers, cashiers, clerks and general assistants. Results indicate that there is a positive relationship between the dimensions of job satisfaction and the dimensions of achievement motivation. Goal directedness is not significantly different between the categories of age, tenure and gender but shows a significance difference amongst race groups with Blacks having the lowest mean score. Personal excellence is not significantly different between the categories of age, tenure, race and gender. Achievement motivation is not significantly different between the categories of age, tenure and gender but shows a significance difference amongst race groups with Blacks having the lowest mean score. Overall job satisfaction is not significantly different between the categories of age, tenure, race and gender. Intrinsic job satisfaction is not significantly different between the categories of age, tenure and gender but shows a significance difference amongst race groups with Blacks having the lowest mean score. Extrinsic job satisfaction is not significantly different between the categories of age, tenure, race and gender. It is recommended that a proportionate stratified sample be utilised for future research.