Job Satisfaction in Older Workers: The Case of a Garment Manufacturing Company in Northwest Arkansas (Case Study‪)‬

ABSTRACT Previous research in the area of age and job satisfaction has shown a positive relationship between employee age and reported levels of job satisfaction. Several models have been proposed to explain this relationship, including both a life cycle model and various situational models. In this study, results of an employee survey conducted among factory workers in rural Arkansas were analyzed. There was a decrease in overall job satisfaction after age 45. Perceptions of management fairness and problem resolution also decreased with age. The results indicate that the relationship between job satisfaction and age can best be explained by determining the effect of age and associated factors on employees' expectations and the probability that those expectations can be met in the specific work setting.