How Caring About Your Job Affects Job Satisfaction among Translators

What is it about?

What makes translators enjoy their jobs? This study explores how feeling a sense of ownership over their work affects their motivation, job satisfaction, and willingness to improve things at work. The research is based on interviews with 17 Spanish-speaking translators from different countries, all working in the same international organization. It looks at three key factors: how much control they feel over their work, how well they understand how their organization functions, and how much effort they put into growing as professionals. The findings show that translators who feel they have control over their work and that their contributions matter tend to be happier and more engaged. Their attitudes are shaped by doxa—shared beliefs about what translation should be and how it should be done. These beliefs influence how they see their responsibilities, how they work with others, and how satisfied they feel. Translators who see their role as active and important often take the initiative to improve their work environment, while those who feel limited by rules or expectations tend to stick to the status quo. The study also highlights that translators who deeply understand both their workplace and the subjects they translate feel more confident and valued. Those who invest in learning new skills, collaborating with colleagues, and finding creative solutions often feel a stronger connection to their work. However, workplace structures and power dynamics can sometimes hold them back, limiting their ability to make meaningful changes. Overall, the study shows that when translators feel like their work truly belongs to them, they are more engaged, satisfied, and motivated to make a difference. Organizations can boost translator well-being by giving them more clarity in their roles, encouraging teamwork, and recognizing the importance of their work. Creating this kind of supportive environment helps translators thrive and makes workplaces more dynamic and effective.

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Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash

Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Most studies about translators' job satisfaction focus on gathering insights directly from translators but don't often connect these findings to broader theories used in other fields. This study takes a different approach by applying a well-known theory from organizational psychology—psychological ownership—to the world of institutional translation. This is important because it allows us to compare translators' experiences with those of workers in other professions and industries, giving a fresh perspective on what motivates and engages translators. The study doesn't just stop at theory. It offers practical tips for improving how translation teams are managed, suggesting ways to boost translators' engagement, well-being, and sense of value in their work. These recommendations can help create more balanced, satisfying workplaces, which is a win for both translators and the organizations they support. By combining theory with real-world applications, the research fills an important gap. It connects translation studies with established organizational psychology frameworks and opens up new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. It also provides actionable insights for managers, making it easier to design strategies that support translators and improve project outcomes.