Role clarity and job-related factors among department store buyers

Li Shau-mei Wang, Purdue University

Abstract

This study examined role clarity among department store buyers and related it to job satisfaction, job tension, job performance, propensity to leave the corporation, socio-demographic and organizational characteristics. The data were obtained from a random mailed questionnaire of ninety-six department store buyers from seventy-eight department stores throughout the United States. Pearson correlation analysis and chi-square techniques were used for data analysis. The results indicated that role clarity was positively associated with job satisfaction, and negatively associated with job tension and propensity to leave the corporation. However, no relationship was found between role clarity and job performance. Information on department store buyers' socio-demographic characteristics and characteristics of their place of employment in relation to role clarity and job-related factors were also analyzed. Age, education, income, job title, length of time as a buyer, length of time in present position, and length of service with the company were significantly associated with role clarity, job satisfaction, job tension, and propensity to leave the corporation. The analysis of organizational characteristics found that size of the organization was negatively associated with role clarity and job satisfaction, and positively associated with job tension. The number of employees in the corporation was negatively associated with role clarity and positively associated with job performance. The number of buyers and the amount of purchasing dollars that respondents were authorized to spend last year were positively associated with job tension and job performance. The length of time the buyer spent in the training program was positively associated with role clarity. In addition, the number of product categories purchased last year and number of types of retail training methods that the buyer received were found positively associated with job satisfaction. The findings of the current research confirm those of previous studies on role clarity. Role clarity is a critical variable when examining job-related factors, such as job satisfaction, job tension, and propensity to leave the corporation. Suggestions for future research include: replication of the study with a larger sample, devising a better measurement instrument for evaluation of buyers' job performance, and identifying other possible job-related factors that might affect role clarity. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Snuggs, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Business community|Management

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