Genetic influences on job and occupational switching

It is well known that individuals appear to differ in their relative probabilities for switching jobs and occupations. Possible antecedents for the decision to switch or not switch, or to turnover or not turnover, have been studied for decades. For example, studies have examined the relations of job satisfaction and work values to turnover. However, no studies have examined the relation between an individual's genetic makeup and turnover even though evidence for the influence of genetic factors on both job satisfaction and work values exists. Using a sample of 1236 monozygotic and 1165 dizygotic white male twin pairs reared together, genetic influences on job and occupational switching were examined. Covariance structure analysis results revealed a significant genetic influence on the propensity to switch jobs and occupations. Job satisfaction and work values only partially mediated this relation. Future research suggestions and limitations are provided.