Technical and management note: The relationship between the engineer's productivity, satisfaction and ability, Or: PE = f (DS) + A

The relationship of satisfaction, both desired and obtained, and ability to engineering productivity is discussed. The influence of ability on productivity is described together with the relationship of ability and job requirements. The underlying job frustration because of a lack of know-how is compared to the frustration resulting from ability exceeding job requirement. Since aspirations change, the factors in determining the amount of effect satisfaction would have on productivity as goals and needs begin to change is described and news is given to the fact that as desired satisfaction increases, obtained satisfaction is proportionately reduced. The problem of professionalism is discussed as related to security, prestige, authority, financial reward, and other satisfaction requirements.