How to increase job satisfaction: the role of participative decisions and feling trusted

Abstract

Purpose In the last few years a new management style and paradigm has emerged with the aim of improving employee motivation, commitment and satisfaction through participatory management practices and more democratic organizational structures. Based on this new paradigm, this study examines the consequences of participative decision making for job satisfaction and trust.

Design/methodology/approach To examine the proposed relationships structural equation modelling was used on a sample of 3,364 employees conducted by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound).

Findings Results confirm that participative decisions positively influence job satisfaction both directly and indirectly by means of employees' perception of trust.

Originality/value Based on democratic management style, this study shows how participative decisions and trust can increase job satisfaction.