| Abstract: | This study investigated the job attribute preferences of male and female MBA candidates. Participants were drawn from 27 different MBA programmes in the United States. Factor analysis of the job attributes questionnaire revealed three primary job attribute dimensions: (1) professional growth; (2) work environment; and (3) salary. Contrary to most previous research, females were found to place a greater emphasis on the professional growth dimension than did males. Males, on the other hand, placed greater emphasis on salary considerations. No sex difference was found in participants' ratings of the work environment job attribute dimension. Consistent with earlier research, women were found to place more importance on the calibre of colleagues than did males. In general, both males and females rated job attributes concerning job content as more important than job attributes concerning job context. These results are discussed with respect to earlier research findings. Finally, the generalizability of these findings to other occupational groups is discussed and managerial implications presented. |
