Job Description Questionnaire – ABB (Arbeitsbeschreibungsbogen)
A multi-dimensional self-report scale designed to measure job satisfaction across seven distinct facets of the work environment.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Job Description Questionnaire – ABB (Arbeitsbeschreibungsbogen) was developed by Oswald Neuberger, Mechthild Allerbeck (1978). It is designed to measure Job Satisfaction. The scale is intended for use with Working adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 79 items organized into 7 factors/subscales: My Colleagues, My Supervisor, My Activity, My Working Conditions, Organisation and Management, My Development, My Pay.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| My Colleagues | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | 9 |
| My Supervisor | 10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22 | 13 |
| My Activity | 23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35 | 13 |
| My Working Conditions | 36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47 | 12 |
| Organisation and Management | 48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61 | 14 |
| My Development | 62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71 | 10 |
| My Pay | 72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79 | 8 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Yes, 2 = Rather yes, 3 = Rather no, 4 = No.
The scale includes 36 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 1 to 4. Interpretation guidelines:
- High Satisfaction: 1 – 2
- Moderate Satisfaction: 2 – 3
- Low Satisfaction: 3 – 4
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Split-half reliability: 0.81 – 0.91; Internal consistency: 0.83 – 0.89.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.