THE RELATIONSHIP OF ABILITY AND SATISFACTION TO JOB-PERFORMANCE

This study examined the satisfaction-performance relationship, specifically testing the moderating effects of ability. Using a job analysis to determine job relevant ability, 95 technical service consultants completed a standardised cognitive ability test that is frequently used as an employment screen in industry. Work satisfaction itself did not significantly relate to job performance. However, the ability x satisfaction interaction did moderate the regression model, adding statistically significant incremental validity. Individuals with both high levels of job satisfaction and high levels of job relevant ability received significantly higher performance ratings than all other workers. These results suggest that variability in job performance may be understood more clearly by examining the interaction between ability and attitude among workers.