Abstract

BOWEN, PA; CATTELL, KS; MARKS, JT  and  DISTILLER, G. Job satisfaction of South African quantity surveyors: does age make a difference?. JCMAN [online]. 2009, vol.6, n.1, pp.193-213. ISSN 1815-7440.

A previous paper has presented the results of a web-based national questionnaire survey of the opinions of South African quantity surveyors relating to the relationship between job satisfaction and racial classification. This paper examines job satisfaction within the context of age. Issues explored included demographic factors; factors influencing job satisfaction; choice of career; age, gender and race in the workplace; and age and harassment and discrimination at work. Unlike evidence documented in the literature, very few significant differences exist between the two respondent groupings, except with regard to: the importance of maternity and paternity leave entitlements above statutory minima; the extent to which the management of firms is seen to be male dominated; the importance of gender representivity at work as a means of combating discrimination; and the importance of respecting individual diversity within the workplace. Instances of harassment and discrimination (especially racial and gender) at work are not uncommon, although age perse is not seen as a significant factor.

Keywords : Job satisfaction; age; influencing factors; harassment; discrimination; quantity surveyors; South Africa.

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