Changes in staff satisfactions after increases in pay, autonomy, and participation

Changes implemented at three youth treatment facilities consisted of salary increments, salary increments plus increased staff autonomy, or salary increments plus increased participation in decisions. Measures of satisfaction were obtained before and after these changes. Salary increments were followed by increased levels of satisfaction with pay and overall satisfaction. Increasing autonomy or participation led to higher satisfaction with work. Difficulties encountered during implementation of the high-autonomy procedures led to decreased satisfaction with supervisors. Implementation of the high-participation procedures was followed by decreased satisfaction with co-workers.