Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire
Also known as: MSQ
The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), developed by Weiss, Dawis, England, and Lofquist in 1967, is a widely used measure of job satisfaction emphasizing intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction dimensions. Available in long-form (100 items) and short-form (20 items) versions, the MSQ assesses satisfaction with diverse job aspects including achievement, compensation, advancement, and security. It remains a foundational instrument in vocational and organizational psychology.
Key highlights
- Theory-based distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction provides insight into different motivational drivers
- Extensive normative data across occupational groups, allowing bench-marking and comparative analysis
- Short-form availability balances efficiency with information gain for applied settings
- Long-form's 20-facet structure provides granular diagnostic information for targeted interventions
Intuition
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How it works
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When to use it
The MSQ is suitable for career counseling, vocational research, organizational assessment, and research on the relationship between job values and outcomes. The short form is appropriate for time-constrained or large-scale surveys. The long form provides detailed facet information useful for targeted interventions. It is particularly valuable in vocational rehabilitation and career development contexts.
Strengths & limitations
- Theory-based distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction provides insight into different motivational drivers
- Extensive normative data across occupational groups, allowing bench-marking and comparative analysis
- Short-form availability balances efficiency with information gain for applied settings
- Long-form's 20-facet structure provides granular diagnostic information for targeted interventions
- Normative data based on older samples may not reflect contemporary work values or labor market conditions
- Intrinsic vs. extrinsic dichotomy may oversimplify modern work satisfaction (e.g., does not capture social-purpose motivation)
- Short form loss of detail reduces ability to identify specific problem areas
Common pitfalls
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Applications
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Frequently asked
How does the MSQ differ from the Job Satisfaction Survey?
The MSQ emphasizes intrinsic vs. extrinsic satisfaction dimensions and draws on work-adjustment theory. The JSS is multidimensional with nine specific facets (pay, promotion, supervision, coworkers, work itself, benefits, communication, conditions, management). The MSQ is better for understanding motivational fit; the JSS is better for diagnosing specific workplace problems.
Should I use the short form or the long form?
The short form is appropriate for brief surveys or research designs prioritizing efficiency. The long form provides 20-facet detail useful for targeted organizational interventions. For comprehensive assessment in applied settings, the long form is preferred.
Are the MSQ norms still relevant, given changes since the 1960s?
Original norms reflect occupational contexts and values from that era. Contemporary applications benefit from establishing local normative data within the organization or occupational group. Use published norms as reference points but prioritize within-organization trend analysis.
Can the MSQ predict job performance or tenure?
The MSQ shows modest correlations with tenure and turnover intention, and low-to-moderate correlations with performance. It is best used as an indicator of well-being and person-job fit rather than as a performance predictor. Combine MSQ data with organizational outcomes for comprehensive assessment.
Sources
- 1.Weiss, D. J., Dawis, R. V., England, G. W., & Lofquist, L. H. (1967). Manual for the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota.
- 2.Lofquist, L. H., & Dawis, R. V. (1969). Adjustment to work: A psychological view of man's problems in a work-oriented society. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.ISBN 978-0131008953
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Cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/organizational-behavior/minnesota-satisfaction-questionnaire