An Application of the Job Characteristics Model to Selected Strategic Air Command Aircraft Maintenance Career Fields.
Abstract
This study investigates the self-reported job characteristics and work outcomes of Strategic Air Command aircraft maintenance personnel in three career fields. The objective of this research was to diagnose the tasks performed by bomb-navigation systems mechanics (321XO), aircraft maintenance specialists (431XO), and munitions systems specialists (461X0) to isolate strengths and weaknesses in work design. Hackman and Oldham's job characteristics model served as the theoretical basis for the research and the Job Diagnostic Survey was used to collect data for the diagnosis. The survey responses, provided by randomly selected enlisted personnel from each career field, were consistent with the relationships specified in the job characteristics model. Bomb-navigation systems mechanics perceived their work as more enriched than aircraft maintenance specialists and munitions systems specialists. As predicted by the model, they also reported higher job satisfaction, internal work motivation, and growth satisfaction than the other career fields. In general, task significance, task identity, and security satisfaction were noted as strengths across all three career fields. The perceived weaknesses were the level of autonomy, pay satisfaction, and supervisory satisfaction. The research indicates that work design plays a major role in fostering positive work outcomes. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA134337
Entities
People
- Collin F. Flynn
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology