| The problem. There are few studies on American industry and gender role identity and job satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to examine American aerospace industry professionals to classify their gender role identity and establish their level of job satisfaction.;Method. Three instruments were chosen for the research. Utilizing comparative survey methodology, the data collected from the population were evaluated and then analyzed to determine whether a relationship existed between the two primary instruments, the Bem Sex Role Inventory and the Job Descriptive Index, and a demographics questionnaire.;Results. Research findings dismissed the hypothesis that aerospace professionals were androgynous. The majority of Southern California aerospace professionals in this study were masculine. The study compared the aerospace population with a normative population using the Job Descriptive Index and partially substantiated job satisfaction. While the aerospace population was no less satisfied with pay, promotion, and co-workers than was the normative population, the aerospace population was significantly less satisfied with work and supervision. Only one hypothesis from the study was accepted in its entirety. It correctly stated that there was no significant difference between female and male professionals and job satisfaction. A hypothesis professing mutual job satisfaction between managers and non-managerial professionals was partially substantiated. These professionals were mutually satisfied with work, supervision, and co-workers. Non-managerial professionals were significantly less satisfied with pay and promotion than were managers. The last hypothesis asserted that androgynous aerospace professionals were more satisfied on the job than were aerospace professionals of other gender role orientations (feminine, masculine, undifferentiated). The finding partially substantiated the hypothesis. Androgynous aerospace professionals were not more satisfied with pay, supervision nor co-workers than were aerospace professionals of other gender role orientations. Androgynous professionals were significantly more satisfied with work than were professionals of other gender role orientations. However, androgynous professionals were significantly less satisfied with promotion than were professionals of other gender role orientations. |
