The Relationship Between Three Sub-scales of Work Engagement and Job Satisfaction: Focusing on the Moderating Effect of Agreeableness

Abstract

This study examined whether agreeableness moderates the relationship between three work engagement facets (vigor, dedication, and absorption) and job satisfaction. Data were obtained from 878 Japanese employees. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that vigor and dedication were positively associated with job satisfaction, whereas absorption was negatively associated. Although agreeableness showed no main effect, an interaction emerged between vigor and agreeableness. Simple slope analyses indicated that vigor was positively related to job satisfaction only among individuals high in agreeableness. These findings suggest that associations between work engagement and job satisfaction differ across engagement facets and are conditionally shaped by personality characteristics.