QUESTION 1
Case Study
LONG HOURS, HUNDREDS OF EMAILS, AND NO SLEEP
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE A SATISFYING JOB?
Although the 40-hour workweek is now the exception rather than the norm, some individuals are taking things to the extreme: John Bishop, 31, is an investment banker who works for Citigroup's global energy team in New York. A recent workday for Bishop consisted of heading to the office for a conference call at 6:00 P.M. He left the office at 1:30 A.M. and had to be on a plane that same morning for a 9:00 A.M. presentation in Houston. Following the presentation, Bishop returned to New York the same day, and by 7:00 P.M., he was back in his office to work an additional 3 hours' Says Bishop, "I might be a little skewed to the workaholic, but realistically, expecting 90 to 100 hours a week is not at all unusual." David Clark, 35, is the vice president of global marketing for ETV. His job often consists of travelling around the globe to promote the channel as well as to keep up with the global music scene. If he is not travelling (Clark typically logs 200,000 km year), a typical day consists of waking at 6:30 A.M. and immediately responding to numerous messages that have accumulated over the course of the night. He then goes to his office, where throughout the day he responds to another 500, or so messages from clients around the world. If he's lucky, he gets to spend an hour a day with his son, but then it's back to work until he finally goes to bed around midnight. Says Clark, "There are plenty of people who would love to have this job. They’re knocking on the door all the time. So that's motivating."
Questions
Given that the two individuals we just read about tend to be satisfied with their jobs, how might this satisfaction relate to their job performance, Individual Personality Development, Attitudes and turnover? (25 marks)
The satisfaction of the two individuals in their jobs may have several implications for their job performance, individual personality development, attitudes, and turnover.
Firstly, their satisfaction with their jobs may positively impact their job performance. Satisfied individuals are likely to be more motivated and engaged in their work, leading to higher levels of productivity and performance. In the case of John Bishop, his willingness to consistently work long hours and travel extensively suggests a strong commitment and dedication to his job. This level of dedication is likely to result in high-quality work and efficient completion of tasks.
Secondly, job satisfaction can also contribute to individual personality development. Satisfied individuals are more likely to experience positive emotions and a sense of fulfillment in their work, which can help shape their overall personality traits. For example, John Bishop's workaholic tendencies may have developed as a result of his satisfaction with the challenges and rewards his job offers. Similarly, David Clark's motivation and drive to constantly improve the channel's global marketing efforts may have been nurtured by his satisfaction with his job.
Thirdly, job satisfaction can influence individuals' attitudes towards their work and their organization. Satisfied employees are more likely to have a positive attitude towards their job, their colleagues, and their overall work environment. This positive attitude can foster a sense of loyalty and commitment towards the organization, reducing the likelihood of turnover. In the case of both Bishop and Clark, their satisfaction with their jobs is evident in their statements about the opportunities and desirability of their positions. This positive attitude may make them less inclined to seek employment elsewhere.
However, it is important to note that high job satisfaction does not guarantee low turnover. Despite their satisfaction, there may still be factors that could lead to turnover, such as burnout from excessive work hours or the potential for better opportunities elsewhere. It is also important to consider other factors beyond satisfaction, such as compensation, work-life balance, and career progression, which can influence an individual's decision to stay or leave their job.
In conclusion, the satisfaction of John Bishop and David Clark with their jobs likely has a positive impact on their job performance, individual personality development, and attitudes. However, it is important to consider other factors that may influence turnover, and to continuously assess and address potential challenges that may arise from their intensive work schedules.