Genetic Influences on Job Satisfaction: A Reply to Cropanzano and James

We respond to the points made by Cropanzano and James (1990) concerning the article by Arvey, Bouchard, Segal, and Abraham (1989). We acknowledge that the Arvey et al. (1989) study is based on a single design, makes use of a small and special sample, and, as such, is vulnerable to threats of internal and external validity. Nevertheless, after providing a more comprehensive conceptual and empirical context for the study, and after reviewing a number of the issues raised by Cropanzano and James, we conclude that it is not premature to accept the idea that work attitudes are partially genetically influenced. Indeed, we use behavioral genetic theory, together with data gathered in the Arvey et al. (1989) study, to make specific point predictions regarding the outcomes of an array of studies that easily can be undertaken. Finally, we acknowledge that the comments and issues raised by Cropanzano and James, along with our interchange, can offer directions for future research in this important area.