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JEL Classification System

L20, M12, M54, O15, J24, J8

Abstract

We investigated the person-level factors that influenced the degree of happiness at work of Filipino seafarers in a maritime company. We used the model of Fisher (2010) as the basis for the person-level dimensions, namely: (1) job satisfaction; (2) vigorous work engagement; (3) dispositional affect; and (4) flourishing at work. We investigated if job satisfaction would most significantly explain happiness in the workplace of the seafarers among all person-level dimensions. We also hypothesized that the bundle of person-level dimensions significantly influences happiness at work. We used descriptive and causal research designs and surveyed 229 randomly selected Filipino seafarers from one Maritime Company through a questionnaire sent via email. We found that seafarers quite frequently experience vigorous work engagement, are satisfied with their job, are quite a bit happy in the dispositional affect, and agree that they flourish at work. Seafarers generally agree that they are happy in their workplace. Our multiple regression results indicated that the bundled variables explained 53% of the variance, which affirmed the hypothesis that the bundle of person-level dimensions will significantly influence happiness at work. However, only three variables namely: 1) vigorous work engagement, 2) dispositional affect, and 3) flourishing at work significantly explained happiness at work. Interestingly, job satisfaction was not contributory to happiness at work. A new model was proposed from our study partly explained by Fredrickson’s (2004 (c)) broaden-and-build theory and Filipino psychology. Based on the results of our study, it is imperative that the Company foster happiness at work through the adoption of strategic human resource management approaches both at the corporate and business levels and that these should be linked with the internal growth strategies as well.

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