Job satisfaction of economists: Τrends in engagement and burnout

Abstract

Even though there are many references in the global literature regarding job satisfaction in fields such as education, healthcare, and safety professions, there is limited research on job satisfaction among economists, who seek to interpret its structural elements and unique characteristics. In this study, we examine the relationship between job satisfaction among economists and trends in work engagement and professional burnout, as well as the influence of gender and working hours on their structural components. To achieve this objective, an analysis and objectification were conducted using Item Response Theory on 206 responses from economists/accountants across various economic sectors in Greece. As revealed by this study, despite the general job satisfaction of economists being close to the population average, there is lower overall job satisfaction among the female gender. Focusing on the two genders, significant statistical differences are observed, with a higher degree of burnout among women. All structural components of work engagement seem to be influenced by the duration of work, and, finally, female economists are significantly emotionally affected compared to the average emotional intelligence of both genders.

JEL classifications: M12, M14, M51, M54

Keywords: Job satisfaction, work engagement, burnout, emotional intelligence, item response theory