Personality and Demographic Variables: Antecedents of Job Satisfaction Among Selected Employees in the Ghanaian Banking Sector

Abstract

Different people have varying feelings when they engage in work related behaviours. The study examines how psychosocial variables (such as personality and demographic characteristics) predict job satisfaction among selected employees in the Ghanaian banking sector. The main objectives of the study were to understand the extent to which the five-factor personality traits influence job satisfaction, and to explore the link between some demographic variables and job satisfaction. The study adopted a quantitative research, cross-sectional and explorative research design. A sample of four hundred and eighty-three (483) employees in the banking industry was used in this study. Data analysis reveals a strong relationship between job satisfaction and three of the fivefactor personality traits: neuroticism, agreeableness and conscientiousness. The study also reveals that, age as a demographic variable predicts job satisfaction of banking staff. There are different dimensions of influence that personality traits could have on organisational attitudes such as job satisfaction especially when measured among staff with varying backgrounds. This study reveals that it will be useful for organisations to devote time and resources in dealing with the unique sensitivities of employees, and ensuring that the right people with the requisite attributes are placed in appropriate positions to enhance increased satisfaction on the job which has the tendency of predicting overall productivity.