Determining Job Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction in the U.S. Navy.

The purpose of this study was to describe the major sources of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction in the Navy, as well as the relationship of this satisfaction to retention of naval personnel. To identify sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, eight Navy ratings (occupational career fields) were analyzed. Individuals in each of the ratings were required to respond, on a one-to-five continuum, to statements associated with 33 job factors. Review of these ratings indicated that, although individuals were provided with the opportunity to assume responsibility in carrying out assigned duties to completion, they were dissatisfied by an apparent lack of sufficient recognition for their efforts. In addition, they were dissatisfied in their perception of the way in which the military system operates. In a separate study conducted to determine the relationship between job satisfaction and reenlistment, equal satisfaction was found for both first-term and career force personnel who stated that they planned to reenlist. Satisfaction factors apparently play a much greater role for first-term personnel than for career personnel. (Author/PC)