This study explores international differences regarding the link between job characteristics and job satisfaction. The analysis is based on the work orientations data from the 2005 International Social Survey Program (ISSP), which comprise answers of 14,669 respondents from 23 different nations. The results gathered through a detailed country-by-country evaluation show that the influences of some job characteristics on job satisfaction differ significantly between countries, while others remain fairly constant. Having an interesting job and good relationships with managers are important drivers of job satisfaction in almost all investigated countries. In addition, the study shows that in richer and better-developed countries, the importance of having a job that fulfills self-actualization needs is higher than in poorer countries, while a high salary is relatively more important in poorer and less developed countries.
