Investigation of the correlation between job motivation, job satisfaction, and perceived organizational reputation in an educational context

Job motivation (JM) and job satisfaction (JS) have long been regarded as critical constructs that influence individual outcomes and organizational effectiveness. Although they have received substantial empirical attention, particularly in the organizational psychology field, these constructs have taken on renewed significance in organizational behavior research as organizations have become increasingly reputation-sensitive. In the increasingly complex and competitive environment of organizations, reputation has become an intangible resource that provides immediate and long-term consequences for an organization by determining the actions of both internal and external stakeholders. Given the growing significance of these three constructs in the organizational literature, the current study was designed to examine their interrelationships: job motivation, job satisfaction, and perceived organizational reputation (POR). Specifically, the study tested the mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between perceived organizational reputation and JM using data from a sample of 465 school administrators. By using Structural Equation Modelling to test the links between study variables, the study revealed that perceived organizational reputation had a significant positive effect on both job satisfaction and motivation, and JM partially mediated the relationship between perceived organizational reputation and JM. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed in light of existing theories and the literature.