Determinants of Employee Job Satisfaction in Information-Technology Startups: Evidence from Karnataka, India

Employee job satisfaction; IT startups; Career growth and learning; Job autonomy; Founder–supervisor support; Work–life sustainability

This study examines the factors influencing employee job satisfaction in information-technology startups operating across selected startup hubs in Karnataka, India. Drawing on the distinctive employment conditions of young ventures, the study investigates the effects of career growth and learning opportunities, job autonomy, founder–supervisor support and work–life sustainability on employee job satisfaction. A quantitative, explanatory and cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire from 360 full-time employees working in IT startups located in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Hubballi–Dharwad. The measurement scales were adapted from established instruments and evaluated for reliability and construct validity. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The model explained 64.6% of the variance in employee job satisfaction. Career growth and learning opportunities, job autonomy, founder–supervisor support and work–life sustainability all demonstrated significant positive effects on job satisfaction. Work–life sustainability, founder–supervisor support and career growth emerged as the strongest predictors, whereas job autonomy remained significant but showed a comparatively smaller contribution. The findings indicate that startup employees evaluate their employment through developmental, work-design, relational and well-being considerations. The study contributes by presenting a parsimonious employee-centred model of job satisfaction in startups and highlights the need for integrated employment practices that combine learning opportunities, supported autonomy, accessible leadership and sustainable workloads.