Factors Contributing to Job Quality and Satisfaction Among Ethnically Diverse, Lower Income, Elderly Part-Timers

• Published in: Journal of gerontological social work Vol. 31; no. 1-2; pp. 143 - 166
• Main Authors: Kaye, Lenard W., Alexander, Leslie B., Kauffman, Stephen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.1999; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Elderly; Employment; Ethnic groups; Factors; Job Satisfaction; Low Income Groups; Older people; older workers; Part Time Employment; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Quality of Working Life; Racial Differences; USA
• ISSN: 0163-4372; 1540-4048
• DOI: 10.1300/J083v31n01_09

This study examines the contributing factors to job satisfaction and commitment among lower-income, older (age 55 and over), part-time employees (N = 164). Job satisfaction index (JSI) scores were relatively high for all subjects and did not differ significantly for age, gender, or Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) status. While not particularly low, white employees were significantly less satisfied with their employment experiences than Hispanic or African American workers. The scarcity of fringe benefits was the least satisfying aspect of employment. Older Hispanics, whites, and men reported less interference between job, family, and home life than African Americans and women. Multiple regression analysis revealed that race/ethnicity, skill utilization opportunities, perceived views of elders held by younger workers and supervisors, availability of fringe benefits, and suitable work days explained the majority of variance in JSI scores. Opportunities to interact with others and stay active were more important than financial supplementation in these elders' assessment of the benefits of part-time employment. Findings provide further understanding of those elders likely to be placed successfully in part-time employment.