Relative Effects of Lower-Order and Higher-Order Quality of Work Life on Employee Job Satisfaction and Life Satisfaction: Case Studies of Service and Manufacturing Sectors in Thailand

Abstract

     This research investigates the relative effects of lower-order and higher-order aspects of quality of work life (QWL) on employee job satisfaction and overall life satisfaction in Thai workplaces. The data were collected by means of questionnaires mailed to employees of 6 selected companies—3 companies in each of the service and manufacturing sectors in Thailand with respective response rates of 72 and 74 percent. The results reveal that the two aspects of QWL in all companies have a positive impact on both aspects of employee satisfaction: job satisfaction and overall life satisfaction. The results also reveal a generally more important role played by higher-order QWL in both sectors. For the service sector, although lower-order QWL plays a more important role in job satisfaction than higher-order QWL, it plays a less important role in overall life satisfaction. For the manufacturing sector, higher-order QWL appears to play a more important role in both job satisfaction and overall life satisfaction than lower-order QWL. Some managerial implications and recommendations are also included based on our research findings.