Comparing motivation of Japanese computer personnel versus these of the United States

A survey of perceptions of I.S. computer personnel managers, analysts, programmer/analysts and application programmers-was conducted in Japan, using the JDS-DP II, a modification of the job diagnostic survey instrument. Data were collected on 15 job variables, related to four motivation aspects: job components, satisfaction levels, need for growth/achievement and goal participation/feedback. The results were compared to those of a similar survey for the same job types in the United States. The survey revealed that the work itself was ranked highest among 11 motivating factors, for both countries, In two job categories, middle management and analysts, Japanese respondents had responses significantly different from their U.S. counterparts. On the other dimensions the responses in Japan were similar to those in the United States. Cultural factors that might have affected the survey results are discussed.< >