Job satisfaction differences between generation X workers and older workers

The purpose of this study was to investigate job satisfaction of credit union employees at all organizational levels. Due to the rapidly changing work environment, understanding work attitudes of all employees has become important. This researcher designed this study to gain a better understanding of the differences in the level of job satisfaction of Generation X workers and older workers.

Job satisfaction scores of Generation X workers were compared to job satisfaction scores of older workers. Subjects were selected from southeastern credit unions that had $50 million or more in assets. Satisfaction was measured by using the Job Descriptive Index (JDI) and the Job in General (JIG). These instruments measured job satisfaction on six scales: (a) work on present job, (b) present pay, (c) opportunities for promotion, (d) supervision, (e) co-workers, and (f) the job in general.

The researcher used a two-step process to select participants. First, using the Credit Union Directory (1999), she contacted credit unions to request employee directories; and, second, the employee directories were used to select a random sample. Of the 468 surveys distributed, 265 were returned, for a response rate of 57%. Of those returned, the researcher accepted 221 (83%) as useable.

T-tests were used to compare the means of Generation X worker scores to older worker scores; the results indicated some significant differences. The researcher found a significant difference between Generation X workers and older workers when measuring work on present job. She also found a significant difference between Generation X workers and older workers when measuring the job in general. Conclusions were discussed based on these findings.