Factors influencing job satisfaction in transitional economies

Job satisfaction is an historically popular variable in studies of vocational psychology. Employees' encounters with aspects of the work environment, such as work-related stressors and the nature of work tasks can influence their satisfaction. Research presented in this paper indicates the existence of a personal or dispositional component to job satisfaction, especially in a work environment that has been affected by the transition process in East Europe. During this time most public companies were privatised and as a result, have adopted downsizing strategies. In the post-downsizing era, applying appropriate human resource management practices to motivate employees and to regain their trust is a critical issue to increase job satisfaction that can lead to higher work performances. The findings of the research presented in this paper provide important implications for both the research field and practical management of human resource development, employee motivation and strategic HRM practices.