Predictors of job satisfaction among IT graduates in offshore outsourced IT firms

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the level of job satisfaction experienced by IT graduates employed full time in offshore outsourced IT firms (OOITF) in Sri Lanka, the demographic characteristics that predict job satisfaction, perceptions towards IT jobs in OOITF, and turnover and job search intentions. Design/methodology/approach – The sample consisted of 122 randomly selected individuals who graduated in the information technology field and were employed full-time in OOITF in Sri Lanka. A survey questionnaire was chosen as the mode for data collection. Findings – The results indicate that gender and tenure are significant in job satisfaction measurement. Females are less satisfied with their jobs and feel a loss of interest in IT jobs in OOITF but wish to remain in their present workplace. IT graduates with a longer tenure in their present workplace are less satisfied with their jobs, feel a loss of interest in IT jobs in OOITF and intend to leave their present workplace. Originality/value – The majority of job satisfaction studies on IT personnel have been undertaken primarily in the West. The extent to which the research findings of those studies could be generalised to the South Asian offshore outsourcing context has not been widely tested.