Towards a Theory of Work Satisfaction: An Examination of Karl Marx and Frederick Herzberg‪.‬

Introduction Americans lead the western world in the number of hours spent at work. Why do we work so hard? One answer is that we enjoy our jobs. Work brings us satisfaction. This essay argues that work satisfaction not only entails enjoyment but also three ethical considerations as well. Two of these ethical concerns speak to the development of talents and community interest; the third addresses the subjective quality of ethical claims. Work is discussed using two models. The ethical model put forth by Karl Marx and the psychological one proposed by Frederick Herzberg. The essay ends with a few comments on how their views should be modified, amended and ignored.