According to public service motivation theory, individuals with a strong public service orientation are attracted to government jobs. This proposition was investigated in three studies by measuring public sector motivation at a pre-entry level as an individual difference variable affecting perceptions of fit and organizational attraction. Results…

Although empirical research on this topic is scarce, personality traits and vocational interests have repeatedly been named as potential individual level predictors of job change. Using a long-term cohort study (N = 291), we examined RIASEC interest profiles and Big Five personality scores at the beginning of the professional career as predictors…

A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies was conducted to investigate stability and change in work values across the life span. Both rank-order stability and mean-level change were investigated using an integrative classification for intrinsic, extrinsic, social and status work values (Ross, Schwartz, & Surkis, 1999). Results of rank-order…

We extend prior research on involvement in employee development activity by including prominent individual difference constructs that have been previously ignored in this area of research. These include two important personality characteristics (conscientiousness and openness to experience), mental ability and goal orientation constructs. We…

Assessed personality and background features of men in female-dominated professions by comparing 54 men employed in atypical professions with 63 men employed in sex-typical fields. Results showed that the men, by virtue of having entered female-dominated professions, have common personality and background factors which differentiate them from…

Investigated personality correlates of occupational status using Holland's (1973) typology. Data from 175 employed adult males showed no single personality factor was associated with status across occupational types. In general, the relationship between personality factors and occupational types provided additional confirmation of Holland's theory…

Administered an individual differences measure of motivational and orientations and a multidimensional measure of exploratory activity and beliefs to undergraduate students (N=154). Canonical analysis yielded one significant canonical root which indicated autonony and control orientations were positively related to self-exploration and beliefs in…

Examination of personality profiles of 131 women in female-typed occupations and 40 in male-typed occupations showed that 5 factors differentiated the personalities of the 2 groups: femininity, communality, self-control, status capacity, and dominance. Similarities between the groups were found in self-acceptance and achievement. (SK)

Tested two hypotheses derived from Korman's consistency model of work behavior using a sample of administrators (N=112). As predicted, those with high self-esteem experienced significantly greater need gratification. Self-esteem also significantly and positively moderated the relationship between need gratification and work satisfaction.…

Investigated the relationship of Type A behavior to organizational climate preferences. Male and female students (N=118) completed the Jenkins Activity Survey and indicated their preferences for nine organizational climates. Results indicated that individuals are attracted to jobs and organizational climates which match their own stable behavioral…

Employees classified into development and research groups were contrasted for differences in vocational interest and personality inventory responses. Discriminant and classification analyses indicated that these two groups could be distinguished. Development personnel exhibited greater interests in supervisory-related areas, but researchers showed…

The present study examines exchange and creditor ideologies (two dispositional characteristics that are strongly related to exchange relationships) and their moderating effects on the psychological contract. Five hundred public-sector employees were studied over a 3-year period. Respondents' were surveyed as to their perceptions of what they…