Question

There are many terms in Organizational Behavior that sound alike, but that mean different things. [Hint: For each pair of questions below, there is a pattern that makes it easier to say what the difference is.]

Part1: What is the difference between Employee Engagement and Job Satisfaction?

Part2: What is the difference between Job Engagement and Organizational Commitment?

Answer 1

(Q 1) What is the difference between Employee Engagement and Job Satisfaction?

(Ans) : The main difference between ‘Employee Engagement’ and 'Job Satisfaction or Employee satisfaction’ lies in their relationship with the individual and organisational performance aspect of it. Employee Engagement and Employee Satisfaction are similar concepts on the surface, and many people use these terms interchangeably. In simple terms Employee engagement is the extent to which employees feel passionate about their jobs, are committed to the organization, and put discretionary effort into their work, while Employee satisfaction is the extent to which employees are happy or content with their jobs and work environment. While comparing each other, Engaged employees are motivated to do more than the minimum needed in order to keep their jobs. They have a strong mind of purpose and leadership. They are enthusiastic to be challenged. Engaged employees are the strong pillar of a company, and their performance is proof of this. The importance of engagement cannot be overstated. Talking about Satisfied employees, they are merely happy with their jobs and the status quo. For some, this might involve doing as little work as possible. An employee satisfaction survey will not diagnose key factors that can help an organization improve engagement and performance. Employee satisfaction is important to an organization, but it’s engagement that will give organizations the driven, motivated employee needed to move the company toward its goals and beyond.

(Q 2) What is the difference between Job Engagement and Organizational Commitment?

(Ans) : Job Engagement and Organizational Commitment are the two of the necessary endeavors in which organization must invest its time and effort. Engagement and commitment are two different things. Generally speaking, Employee engagement is the intersection of maximum contribution for the company and maximum satisfaction for employees and Organizational Commitment means an employee’s positive emotional attachment to the organization. While comparing both in simple terms Engaged employees are engaged in their work, but not committed to the organisation. Whereas Committed employees are committed to the organisation, but not engaged in their work. Employee engagement would be the degree to which employees are passionate about what they do, about their work, and committed to their coworkers, and love to their organization while employee commitment may be the extent to which employees are deeply emotional to their organization. If an employee is only engaged, there is the possible risk that they are not committed to the organisation, and vice versa. It was observed that employees are more engaged and satisfied with their careers when provided with learning opportunities and in turn their commitment level with the organization increases.