Locke defines job satisfaction as: "A positive or pleasant emotional state resulting from a person's evaluation of his work or work experiences in relation to the expectations he had developed about them.1
This is the first level of mobilization, known as the contractual level, which brings together the employer and employee. It is based on the subordinate relationship described in the first part of this book.
For the worker, satisfaction fulfills the first two needs expected from their work:
- Financial necessity
- The need for social relations
This level is achieved for the company when the worker fulfills the assigned role in their job description.
At this level of mobilization, we are not discussing motivation in the sense of giving maximum effort. Motivation is limited to contractual requirements and addresses the individual's primary needs.
Psychologists measure motivation using "declarative indices" and performance indicators. In contrast, satisfaction is measured using declarative indices and behavioral indices, such as turnover, absenteeism, announced and realized departures, withdrawal behaviors, alcoholism, or drug-taking.2
At this first level of mobilization, we might expect clear rules and rational assessments.
But that's not the case!
Satisfaction is a subjective experience for both employees and managers. Employment contracts, internal regulations, and labor laws are mere theories compared to the workplace's reality.
Each employee will evaluate their work, salary, benefits, and working environment compared to others in the company. They may make comparisons by finding similarities: "He works as hard as I do and earns more," "He does the same job and has a bigger office," "He hasn't been here as long, and he's already an area manager."
This first level of mobilization is similar to the hygiene factors developed in Herzberg's two-factor theory. It is also the level of controlled motivation, according to Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory.
This first level can be managed with a strict managerial approach and clear, simple methods known to all.
As we will see later, this is undoubtedly the most important level of mobilization to consolidate.