Why are managers happier than workers

This paper studies the determinants of differences in self reported job satisfaction across occupations using data from the 2006/2007 European Social Survey (18 countries). When the effect of other variables is not accounted for, being a Manager yields a "satisfaction bonus" two times as big as the one provided by Workers positions. This substantial satisfaction gap between those holding Managerial positions and Workers practically disappears when we control for individual, household and work related variables. Even though the differences across occupations are reduced, all occupations bring about more job satisfaction than manual and service positions. All results hold when using the European Working Conditions Survey data set. In addition, the results are robust to the use of job satisfaction as a categorical variable and to a variation of the model specification that takes into account the potential endogeneity of the occupational choice. How to obtain EU publications Our priced publications are available from EU Bookshop (http://bookshop.europa.eu), where you can place an order with the sales agent of your choice. The Publications Office has a worldwide network of sales agents. You can obtain their contact details by sending a fax to (352) 29 29-42758. The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national. LB -N A -2477-EN -C