A network analysis of the relationship between happiness at work, psychological safety, and job satisfaction...

This study aims to examine the relationships among happiness at work, psychological safety, and job satisfaction among employees in educational settings. Exploring the core dimensions and network structure of these constructs provides deeper insight into how they interact and how organizational interventions may be improved. Network analysis was used to investigate the associations among happiness at work, psychological safety, and job satisfaction. The Happiness at Work Scale, the Psychological Safety Scale, and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire were administered to a convenience sample of 372 employees in the educational sector in the Sultanate of Oman (mostly teachers, with a smaller number of supervisory staff). The network analysis showed that specific items from the happiness at work scale, particularly those reflecting enjoyment of work and environmental quality, were embedded within the network and played an important role in shaping employees' job satisfaction. The results also revealed that the extrinsic job satisfaction dimension occupied a central position in the network, functioning as a primary link between psychological safety and job satisfaction. The comparison between male and female employees indicated no meaningful gender differences in network structure or overall connectivity. These findings carry important implications for policy and practice in Oman, highlighting the value of strengthening managerial fairness, organizational clarity, and recognition practices to enhance employee happiness at work.