Investigating factors related to social workers’ job satisfaction: Government and private hospitals in Tehran and Karaj Provinces

Abstract

The job takes up more of an individual’s time than any other activity and gives meaning to people. Various factors interact with each other to make someone satisfied or dissatisfied with the job. This study aims to identify the factors related to social workers’ job satisfaction based on Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory. The target population includes a total of hospitals located in Tehran and Karaj Provinces, Iran. 108 hospital social workers participated in the study, and the data were gathered through a job satisfaction questionnaire. As a result of this research, the overall level of social workers’ job satisfaction is average. A significant positive correlation was identified between motivational and hygiene factors, and job satisfaction. Among the variables of motivational factors, recognition, achievement, growth, and responsibility, and among the components of hygiene factors, supervision, workplace policy, and interpersonal relationships correlated significantly and positively with job satisfaction. In addition, a statistically significantly greater role of motivational factors in explaining social workers’ job satisfaction compared to hygiene factors has been proved.