The article discusses the results of a study that analyzes the dimensionality of the job descriptive index (JDI), the most widely used measure of job satisfaction. The authors noted that one reason for the wide use of the JDI is the care with which it was developed. Another reason is the applicability of JDI across a wide variety of demographic groups. The author gathered data on the quality of work life from a large U.S.-based soft-goods company. About 2,700 employees returned questionnaires. The results showed a high reliability for the JDI, but the author believes other methods may also be useful.

The article examines the applicability of the Job Descriptive Index in measuring job satisfaction of various demographic groupings. Overall, the index seems fit for application to employees with different demographic characteristics, which provides major support for the instrument's value. The results reinforce the conclusion that the index taps very much the same dimensions for black and white subjects, while extending that conclusion to a number of other significant demographic characteristics people bring with them to their jobs.

Use of factor analytic techniques for the analysts of organizational data is increasing. Four readily available techniques are described. Results derived from application of each technique to a common data set are compared.

Factor analysis is used to establish the multidimensional impact of a specific program of flexible work hours on attitudes of employees and supervisors. The factor analytic results support a previously published item analysis of questionnaire responses. Hard data also suggest the breadth of the effects of the flexitime installation.