In general, the hallmarks of the publishing industry are to make a cultural contribution to society and to pursue profit as the industry is seen as an enterprise that engages in publication with goal of profit generation, and holds social and economic...
In general, the hallmarks of the publishing industry are to make a cultural contribution to society and to pursue profit as the industry is seen as an enterprise that engages in publication with goal of profit generation, and holds social and economic responsibility in producing and selling published products. Nonetheless, the aspect of cultural contribution is usually the more emphasized; therefore, editors are often regarded as providing a service which contributes to the cultural development of society, rather than working only for the private interest. Editors tend to pursue the value of the publication itself, rather than monetary compensation or job security.
This research examines factors that determine the work satisfaction of publishing editors, and suggests methods to improve the work environment for publishing investors and owners to better manage a publishing company. The research questions were identified as follows:
[Research question 1] What are the characteristics of the work environment of publishing editors?
[Research question 2] What factors affect work satisfaction of publishing editors, and what are their respective levels of significance?
[Research question 3] How do demographic attributes of publishing editors influence their work satisfaction?
To answer these questions, research encompassing the examination of literature reviews and social statistics was carried out. With regard to the survey for the social statistics, the Job Descriptive Index (JDI), most widely used indicator, was classified as a result of the ERG theory of Alderfer. Then, each questionnaire was developed to reflect the particular circumstances of the publishing editors. One hundred ten publishing editors working for a publishing companies in Seoul were selected randomly for a survey, the results of which follow.
Result of the [research question 1]: The current status of the Korean publishing industry is rather stagnant, without noticeable growth in a variety of publications and a number of circulations. This has led to a rapid decline in publishing industry employment, and suggests that a number of factors that contribute to the editors’ satisfaction of the work environment are absent.
Result of the [research question 2]: The analysis of the factors that affect the work satisfaction of publishing editors based on Alderfer’s ERG theory revealed that existence and relatedness needs were not identified as significant factors that influence the work satisfaction of the editors. Growth needs were shown to be a statistically significant factor that determines work satisfaction. This is because editors with relatively brief job experience put more weight on the future value compared to the editors with more than five years of experience; thus, the growth need is shown to be an important factor that affects work satisfaction.
Result of the [research question 3]: The examination of work satisfaction due to demographic attributes showed that gender, length of work experience, wage, position, and specific fields of publication do not lead to differences in work satisfaction. However, the editors’ ages were identified as an influential factor in work satisfaction; editors in their 40s were significantly more satisfied with their work environments than those in their 20s and 30s.
In conclusion, this research verifies that growth need is a driving force that determines the degree of work satisfaction of publishing editors in Korea, followed by monetary compensation, sense of self-realization, and individual development. With regard to demographic attributes, all factors except age had no significant influence on work satisfaction.
This research shows that publishing owners and investors should pursue innovation and rearrangement of the business to create a wholesome and desirable work environment, and establish various systems and policies to support editors’ needs and demands to fortify their professional skills.