News Article

FSW Dean Discusses Psychology of Workplace Satisfaction

Jun 12, 2015

Dr. John Meyer, dean of the School of Business and Technology at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), served as featured speaker at a May 29 Florida Small Business Development Center luncheon alongside Althea Harris, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) South Florida representative.

Speaking at FSW’s Hendry/Glades Center in LaBelle, Dr. Meyer discussed what makes business owners feel satisfied, citing previously published studies from management literature. Holding a DBA in Management from Argosy University and an MBA from Hodges University, one of his academic interests is how an organization’s culture impacts human behavior and overall success.

He supported the idea that a common thread between satisfied business owners is the perception of control, regardless of whether they truly have it or not.

“A famous group of studies collectively referred to as Whitehall, demonstrated that people almost universally value being in control and that a lack of control can even potentially manifest itself in health problems,” said Dr. Meyer

Dissatisfied business owners are more likely to develop stress-induced conditions such as pre-indicators of coronary heart disease, all stemming from a lack of control. While it makes sense for managers to ensure that everyone feels empowered in order to maintain a successful business, there are other factors at work.

New research points out that many entrepreneurs who are in control of their own operations still feel reduced satisfaction based on whether their positions enable them to have variety, complete projects, perceive value in the jobs they carry out, and receive constructive feedback on work. In most cases entrepreneurs lack one or more of these factors, which can lead to problems.

Dr. Meyer added that, in some cases, a business owner’s expectations don’t match his or her education, experience, or ability. He shared the story of a friend who left a successful career in automobile sales management to open his own used-car sales operation, yet he lacked the experience to independently manage the operation, he didn’t have the same level of resources, saw little or no value in used car sales, and didn’t get much feedback from others.

Guests of the FSBDC luncheon left with a better understanding of how organizational culture can determine success or failure. As dean of the FSW School of Business and Technology, Dr. Meyer said that exposing students to a wide spectrum of organizational research is an important part of the curriculum. In order for FSW graduates to be effective, well-rounded managers, they need to learn both the technical and behavioral aspects of starting or managing a business or organization – their own or someone else’s.

The School of Business and Technology offers a number of certificates and associates degrees in breakthrough fields ranging from Crime Scene Technology to Civil Engineering, as well as two Bachelor of Applied Science degree tracks in Public Safety Administration and Supervision and Management. If you’re interested in supporting the School of Business and Technology (www.fsw.edu/sobt) through the Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation, visit www.fsw.edu/foundation to learn how a gift can affect a student’s life or revitalize an academic program.

Last Updated: June 12, 2015