Perceived job characteristics: an information processing model

Abstract

An information processing model approach to work environment perceptions was used as a basis to make predictions concerning the correlates of perceived job characteristics. It was predicted that job perceptions (autonomy, variety, significance, challenge, and ambiguity) would be related significantly to situational variables, person variables, person by situation interactions and individual outcome variables. Self-esteem was predicted to moderate selected relationships between situational variables and job perceptions. Achievement motivation was regarded as a moderator of the relationships between job perceptions and job performance. Questionnaire data from non-supervisory employees (n = 371) in 73 drug treatment organizations provided at least partial support for the hypotheses. The results suggested that job characteristic perceptions involved correlates which have been generally ignored in past research (e.g., person variables and situation variables). Practical implications of the results are also discussed. (UNFORMATTED TABLE FOLLOWS) Job Characteristic Perceptions Group Climate Situational Attributes Leadership Person by Situation Interactions Information Processing Model(TABLE ENDS)