Perceived Overqualification, Positive and Negative Affectivity, and Satisfaction with Work

We examined the effects of perceived overqualification on satisfaction with work & the moderator effect of positive & negative affectivity on the relationship for 288 members of a Midwestern American postal workers union local. Gender differences in positive & negative affectivity scores were also examined. Perceived overqualification was represented by two indicators: perceived lack of growth opportunity (no-grow) & perceived mismatch. Perceived lack of growth opportunity, but not perceived mismatch, was significantly negatively associated with work satisfaction. Perceived no-grow was associated with less positive affect, but not more negative affect. These findings are suggestive of Herzberg's (1966) two factor theory of job satisfaction. Additional research is needed on the joint role of positive & negative affectivity on work, & gender differences in positive affectivity & negative affectivity in work. The significant positive interaction between no-grow & negative affect on satisfaction with work does not support our hypothesis that the negative relationship between overqualification & satisfaction with work was greater for those perceiving high negative affect than for those perceiving low negative affect. 5 Tables, 47 References. Adapted from the source document.