Determinants of Job Satisfaction Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers: An Interview Study in the United States

摘要

This research examines job satisfaction of long-distance truck drivers in the United States. These workers are important to better understand because they are good surrogates for a growing category of contemporary workers; specifically, men and women who work at home with no direct management supervision. Data collection, using a modified grounded theory approach to increase study objectivity, took place at a large truck-stop located adjacent to an Interstate Highway. One hundred-four drivers, who had stopped to refuel their trucks, were each interviewed for 10 to 15 minutes. The respondents were willing to share their thoughts with the researchers, as there were almost no refusals to participate in the study. About 60% of the drivers would not recommend their occupation to their children. The most common reasons were: excessive time away from home, hard to make a reasonably good income, and their work is not a respected occupation. However, almost 40% of the drivers would encourage their children to be long-distance drivers. The most noted positive aspects were: no two davs are ever the same, if one works "smart" you can make a good living, and with no direct supervision, the job teaches responsibility and independence.