Personality and job satisfaction : the moderating effect of psychological wellbeing

M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)The main objective of the study was to investigate the moderating effect of psychological wellbeing on the relationship between personality and job satisfaction. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used. A survey was created using the shortened version of the Basic Traits Inventory, Ryff‟s Scale of Psychological Wellbeing and the shortened version of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. The survey was distributed online and in hard copy to various organisations in South Africa (N=207). Results showed that the psychological wellbeing traits of self-acceptance, environmental mastery, and purpose in life moderate the relationship between neuroticism and job satisfaction; personal growth moderates the relationship between extraversion and job satisfaction; and the relationship between conscientiousness and job satisfaction is moderated by self-acceptance, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth. It was concluded that certain facets of psychological wellbeing serve to strengthen the positive effects and mitigate the negative effects of personality traits on job satisfaction. It is thus advised that management consider the impact of employees‟ psychological wellbeing on their level of satisfaction at work, and create a working environment that is conducive to the personal growth and development of employees