Job design and the psychological status of Taiwanese pharmacists on job outcomes: an application of the job characteristics model

Abstract

For decades, job design and redesign have been viewed by the field of organisational behaviour as factors that influence employees' job psychological statuses and job outcomes. As such, this study thoroughly examines the job characteristics model (JCM) – including the constructs of core job characteristics, psychological statuses, individual growth needs and work outcomes – with regard to pharmacists, based on the theoretical framework of JCM. Two hundred ninety-eight pharmacists responded to mailed surveys. Applying structural equation modelling (SEM), the results partially verified JCM especially with respect to the pathway of job content – characterised as task variety, integrity and significance – to the experienced meaningfulness of work, as well as to their work outcomes, including higher internal work motivation, work performance quality, work satisfaction and reduced intentions/desires to quit. We anticipate that pharmacy managers could appropriately manipulate the job tasks of pharmacists, as well as to assist and identify possible adverse side effects derived from pharmacists' work climates, as a means to generate more favourable and effective work outcomes.