Final answer:
Situational factors are external influences that affect an employee's behavior and job satisfaction, rather than being conditions an employee can control. The statement in question is false. Situational factors, including cultural influences and social roles, can significantly impact job satisfaction and productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that situational factors are working conditions within the employee's control is false. Situational factors refer to external elements that may influence an individual's behavior or an organization's effectiveness, rather than conditions an employee can control. In the context of work environments, situational factors include the cultural influences, social roles, and the presence of others in the work setting. These factors have been shown to significantly influence worker job satisfaction, behavior, and productivity. Studies have found that factors such as perceived control over one's work, participation in decision-making processes, freedom from excessive surveillance, and feeling integral to the work outcome contribute to job satisfaction.
For example, workers who have more control over their work or who feel that they contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes often report higher levels of job satisfaction. On the other hand, external stresses such as vulnerability to stress, perceived risk, and stress levels can negatively affect job satisfaction. Thus, the impact of situational factors is often beyond the direct control of an individual employee.