Attitudes, attributes and institutions: Determining job satisfaction in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to contribute to the growing body of empirical evaluations of workers' subjective well being by assessing the impact of values, beliefs, important job attributes and autonomous institution building on employees' job satisfaction across ten countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Design/methodology/approach – Data derived from the European Values Study 1999/2000 is being utilised, which provides detailed information not only on job satisfaction and socio‐demographic characteristics, but also on individuals' subjective views, beliefs and important job attributes. Following a descriptive narrative on the transformation in emerging market economies, ordered probit regressions are performed to determine the significance of these characteristics, values and beliefs on workers' job satisfaction. Findings – The empirical findings suggest that reported attitudes, values and beliefs and their impact on job satisfaction evince traits of a legacy of communist industrial relations as well as subsequent experiences with economic and social transition. What is more, the study also uncovers the positive influence of trust and confidence in autonomous institution building on workers' job satisfaction, specifically in the context of reformed trade unions, education and social security. Originality/value – In previous studies, job satisfaction has been examined primarily in Western Europe and the USA. In contrast, empirical examinations to identify the determinants of job satisfaction for employees in Central and Eastern Europe have not figured prominently in this literature. This paper adds value by providing robust empirical results for this region.