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Working-time mismatch and job satisfaction of junior academics

Author

Listed:
  • Irina Frei

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Christian Grund

    (RWTH Aachen University)

Abstract

We examine the role of working-time mismatches (defined as the difference between actual and desired weekly working hours) in academics’ job satisfaction. In doing so, we investigate how academics’ career stage (predoc vs. postdoc) and contract status (part-time vs. full-time employment) moderate the relation between a mismatch in working hours and job-related well-being. Our results are based on longitudinal survey data among junior academics in the STEM fields indicate that mismatches in working hours are prevalent in academia and are associated with a loss of job satisfaction. In this context, overemployment (working more than desired) tends to unfold more severe consequences with respect to job satisfaction compared to underemployment. We find evidence for a similar reaction of doctoral students and postdocs with respect to job satisfaction when experiencing a working-time mismatch. Part-time employment positively moderates the link between working-time mismatch and job satisfaction for the case of underemployment.

Suggested Citation

  • Irina Frei & Christian Grund, 2022. "Working-time mismatch and job satisfaction of junior academics," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 92(7), pages 1125-1166, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jbecon:v:92:y:2022:i:7:d:10.1007_s11573-022-01091-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11573-022-01091-y
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Working time mismatch; Job satisfaction; Part-time employment; Academia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • M53 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Training

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