Job insecurity and satisfaction with the work environment: Comparison of work　consciousness of Japanese, Chinese, French and Americans

Factors determining job insecurity and satisfaction with the work environment of Japanese, Chinese, French and Americans were investigated. Based on a questionnaire survey conducted with employees (n=2973) in the four countries, probit analysis was conducted for each country, and separately for gender. Results indicated that male graduates of universities and graduate schools in Japan, France, and the US had less job insecurity compared to senior high school graduates and below. On the contrary, Chinese male graduates of junior colleges, technical colleges, universities and higher-level schools felt more job insecurity. An academic career higher than university graduation was positively related to the degree of satisfaction with the working style, only for Japanese males. Moreover, only married Japanese females felt less job insecurity, where as those who had experienced compulsory resignation felt more job insecurity. Finally, it is suggested that developing a gender equal work environment may benefit Japanese females and relieve serious job insecurity of Japanese males