Smith, P. C., et al. (1969). The measurement of satisfaction in work and retirement. Chicago: Rand McNally.
Comments: The original 72-item JDI contained five scales. The Job Descriptive Index (JDI) was revised in 1985 by substituting several items. The revised JDI has a new scale that measures satisfaction with the job in general. The complete forms, scoring key, instructions, and norms can be obtained from Dr. Patricia C. Smith, Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403. Additional scales include the 18-item Job in General Scale, which assesses global job satisfaction and the 18-item Stress in General Scale, which measures overall job stress. An updated (1990) manual is available that explains the methodology in developing and revising the JDI and the JIG as well as the administration, scoring, and reporting results of the JDI, the revised JDI, and the JIG. The JDI is one of the most frequently used instruments to measure job satisfaction.
Sample: Although the original sample consisted of 988 people from seven different organizations, additional studies were conducted with 2,662 people from 21 different organizations.
Reliability: Corrected split-half correlations were 0.84 (work), 0.80 (pay), 0.86 (promotions), 0.87 (supervision), and
0.88 (coworkers). Means and standard deviations for male and female workers are also provided.
Validity: A multitrait-multimethod matrix assessed convergent and discriminant validity.
Scales: The original JDI contained the following five scales: coworkers (18), pay (9), supervision (18), work (18), and opportunities for promotion (9).
References
Curry, C. J. (2007). Predicting the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic job factors on overall job satisfaction for Generation X and Baby Boomers in a regional healthcare organization. PhD dissertation, Georgia State University.
Jeanmarie, T. M. (2008). The relationship between principals’ perceptions of performance appraisal and level of job satisfaction. EdD dissertation, Wayne State University.
Kimbrel, M. J. (2005). Teacher induction programs and beginning teacher job satisfaction. PhD dissertation, University of Nebraska- Lincoln.
Shead, L. M. (2010). An investigation of the relationship between teachers’ ratings of their principals’ leadership style and teachers’ job satisfaction in public education. PhD dissertation, Our Lady of the Lake University.
Terry, D. H. (2011). Job satisfaction and migration difference between teachers with educational degrees and those with alternative certification. PsyD dissertation, Capella University.
Vang, M. (2008). Effects of student achievement on the job satisfaction of public elementary school principals. EdD dissertation, California State University, Fresno and University of California, Davis.
Job Descriptive Index
Think of the work you do at present. How well does each of the following words or phrases describe your work? In the blank beside each word below, write
Y for “Yes” if it describes your work N for “No” if it does NOT describe it ? if you cannot decide
Work on Present Job
- Routine
- Satisfying
- Good
Think of the kind of supervision that you get on your job. How well does each of the following words or phrases describe this? In the blank beside each word below, write
Y for “Yes” if it describes the supervision you get on your job N for “No” if it does NOT describe it ? if you cannot decide
Supervision
- Impolite
- Praises good work
- Doesn’t supervise enough
Think of the pay you get now. How well does each of the following words or phrases describe your present pay? In the blank beside each word below, write
Y for “Yes” if it describes your pay N for “No” if it does NOT describe it ? if you cannot decide
Present Pay
- Income adequate for normal expenses
- Insecure
- Less than I deserve
Think of the majority of the people that you work with now or the people you meet in connection with your work. How well does each of the following words or phrases describe these people? In the blank beside each word below, write
Y for “Yes” if it describes the people you work with N for “No” if it does NOT describe them ? if you cannot decide
Coworkers (People)
- Boring
- Responsible
- Intelligent
Think of the opportunities for promotion that you have now. How well does each of the following words or phrases describe these? In the blank beside each word below, write
Y for “Yes” if it describes your opportunities for promotion N for “No” if it does NOT describe them ? if you cannot decide
Opportunities for Promotion
- Dead-end job
- Unfair promotion policy
- Regular promotions
Think of your job in general. All in all, what is it like most of the time? In the blank beside each word or phrase below, write
Y for “Yes” if it describes your job N for “No” if it does NOT describe it ? if you cannot decide
Job in General
- Undesirable
- Better than most
- Rotten
Scoring: Each scale is written on a separate page. For positive items, a Yes receives 3 points; ? receives 1 point; and No receives no points. For negative items the scoring system is reversed. The scores on each scale are tallied separately.