Job characteristics, and the Influence of Gender and Educational Qualification on Marital Satisfaction of Married Working Individuals

This study investigated the predictive roles of five core job characteristics (skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and feedback), and the influence of gender and educational qualification on marital satisfaction among married individuals in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. A sample of 300 married individuals from Oye Local Government, Nigeria, completed measures on job characteristics (Job Characteristics Scale) and marital satisfaction (EMS Marital Satisfaction Scale). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, one-way ANOVA, and an independent samples t-test. Multiple regression revealed that the combined job characteristics significantly predicted marital satisfaction (R² = .05, F(5, 296) = 4.60, p < .01), with skill variety (β = .18, p < .01) and autonomy (β = .274, p < .05) emerging as independent significant predictors. A significant gender difference was found (t(299) = 3.66, p < .05), with men reporting higher marital satisfaction than women. Educational level did not significantly influence marital satisfaction. The findings underscore that certain empowering job characteristics, particularly autonomy and skill variety, are positively associated with marital satisfaction. The study imply that organizations are encouraged to design jobs that offer discretion and variety to support family well-being especially for male employees