Personality and Job Satisfaction

Positive affectivity is most often found in people that also exhibit extroversion. It would be more likely that a person that suffers from negative affectivity would be more prone respond to their job in a negative way, therefore causing low levels of job satisfaction, performing at less than desirable levels, and causing turnover in the organization. They are generally more satisfied and see life in a positive light. Negative affectivity refers to the likelihood that a person experiences negative emotions in different situations. It is classified into two different categories: negative affectivity (NA) and positive affectivity (PA). They may be less likely to take the beginning initiative. Employees that have an internal locus of control, according to Paul Spector, are more motivated, perform better on the job, express higher levels of job satisfaction and are less likely to display high levels of turnover. These people believe in fate, luck, or that powerful others can determine there path (Spector, 224). These people would perform at a high level, enjoy there job, and there would be no absences, negative feelings at work, or turnover. On the other hand, positive affectivity is the disposition to feel a positive affect. This could be manifested as anxiety, depression, stress or other negative feelings. Extroverts are often more happy with their job and current situation. What if an organization is interviewing a candidate that is currently employed elsewhere but is looking for a new job because they are unhappy? Would one turn this candidate away because he/she has a high level of negative affectivity? Therefore, more aspects of a person must be taken into account for job placement.