A checklist-format measure of satisfaction with five distinct facets of the job — work, pay, promotion, supervision, and co-workers.
| Construct measured | Job satisfaction (facets) |
|---|---|
| Developed by | Smith, Kendall & Hulin (1969) |
| Original publication | Smith, P. C., Kendall, L. M., & Hulin, C. L. (1969). The measurement of satisfaction in work and retirement: A strategy for the study of attitudes. Rand McNally. |
| Number of items | 72 across five facet scales (the companion Job in General scale adds 18 items) |
| Response format | Adjective and short-phrase checklist: for each descriptor the respondent marks 'Yes', 'No', or '?' (typically scored 3 / 0 / 1) |
Facet-scale alphas are commonly reported in the .80s to low .90s; the Job in General (JIG) scale commonly exceeds .90.
One of the most thoroughly validated job-attitude instruments: the five-facet structure is well replicated, national norms exist, and convergent validity with the MSQ and global satisfaction measures is well documented, alongside criterion links to withdrawal behaviors. Periodic revisions (1985, 1997, 2009) updated item content.
Employees across industries and occupational levels in thousands of studies; norms available by demographic group.
United States (Cornell studies of satisfaction; later stewarded at Bowling Green State University). Translated into numerous languages; validated adaptations exist for several countries.