Abstract
After discussing the importance of job satisfaction, this paper presents data concerning current levels and sources of job satisfaction in community mental health centers. Data came from a survey completed by 164 staff members working in 22 different programs located in Michigan. The return rate was 94%. Results indicated that compared to workers in other occupations, the staff were about average in satisfaction with co-workers and supervision, but low in satisfaction with the work itself. The two major sources of job satisfaction reported by staff were the level of accomplishment experienced in the work and the degree of clarity in organizational goals and policies. The paper concludes by suggesting ways in which job satisfaction in community mental health could be increased.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cherniss, C. Preentry issues in consultation.American Journal of Community Psychology, 1976,4, 13–24.
Cherniss, C. The consultation readiness scale: An attempt to improve consultation practice.American Journal of Community Psychology, 1978.,6, 15–21.
Dunn N. Mental health agency fares well in audit.Ann Arbor News, February 26, 1976, p. 3.
Frank, J.Persuasion and healing. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1973.
Mills, C. W.White collar. New York: Oxford University Press, 1951.
Oppenheimer, M. The unionization of the professional.Social Policy 1975,5, 34–40.
Reiff, R. Mental health manpower and institutional change.American Psychologist, 1966,21, 540–548.
Sarason, S. B.The psychological sense of community: Prospects for a community psychology. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass, 1974.
Sarata, B. P. V.Job satisfactions of individuals working with the mentally retarded. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Yale University, 1972.
Schwartz, M. S., & Will, G. T. Intervention and change on a mental hospital ward. In W. G. Bennis, K. D. Benne, & R. Chinn (Eds.),The planning of change. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1961.
Smith, P. C., Kendall, L. M., & Hulin, C. L.The measurement of satisfaction in work and retirement. Chicago: Rand McNally, 1969.
Stotland, E., & Kobler, A. L.Life and death of a mental hospital. Seattle, Wash.: University of Washington Press, 1965.
Work in America. Report of a task force to the secretary of HEW. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1973.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Research for this paper was made possible through a special grant from Professor Seymour B. Sarason of Yale University. The author would like to thank Professor Sarason for his continuing encouragement and support, and also Beatrice Bonnevaux for her assistance on the data analysis.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cherniss, C., Egnatios, E. Is there job satisfaction in community mental health?. Community Ment Health J 14, 309–318 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00778606
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00778606