Social Sciences

Sociological Analysis of the Effect of Career Plateau on Job Satisfaction: A Case Study of the Cooperative, Labor, and Social Welfare Departments of Isfahan Province

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Seyed Samad Beheshti 1
Rahmatollah Torkan 2

1 Associate professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Yasouj, Yasouj, Iran.

2 Ph.D. in Economic-Development Sociology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Yasouj, Yasouj, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/qjss.2026.81662.2829
Abstract
A career plateau refers to an individual’s career path where the likelihood of further advancement within the organizational hierarchy becomes minimal. This study examines the simultaneous impact of various dimensions of career plateau (structural, content, and inclusive) on job satisfaction among Cooperative, Labor, and Social Welfare department employees in Isfahan Province. This research is applied in terms of its objective and descriptive survey in terms of its methodology. The statistical population includes all Cooperative, Labor, and Social Welfare department employees in the province in 2021, totaling 529 individuals, with a sample size of 223. Data collection was conducted using a standardized questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed in terms of content and construct. Its reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the variables of structural, inclusive, and content plateau, and job satisfaction, at 89%, 78%, 82%, and 71%, respectively. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS statistical software. The results indicate that the simultaneous effect of the dimensions of career plateau on reducing job satisfaction is significant. Ultimately, the study suggests that employees’ job satisfaction levels can be significantly enhanced by mitigating career plateau conditions.

Keywords

Job Satisfaction
Career Plateau
Dimensions of Career Plateau
Cooperative
Labor
and Social Welfare
Subjects
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