Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction among Primary Healthcare Workers in Georgia

Abstract

Motivation is defined as human effort, striving, stimulation process for successful work, and achievement of organizational goals. The purpose of the research is to study the factors determining the motivation and job satisfaction of primary healthcare personnel in Georgia. The relevance of the issue is indicated by the poorly development of the primary healthcare system in Georgia, which is confirmed by the fact that the number of referrals to outpatient medical institutions is 3.6 per capita per year, while it reaches 7.5 in European countries. A quantitative study was conducted in this research. As a result of the research, it was determined that motivation and job satisfaction are complex constructs. The following main factors that influence the job satisfaction of employees in primary care organizations were identified: individual characteristics, financial and non-financial incentives, organizational structures and processes, including supervision, leadership, fairness, and responsibility for the distribution of resources, staff dynamics, and team cohesion, relationships with colleagues and management, relationships with patients, intellectual stimulation, opportunities for continuing medical education. A family physician’s and family nurse practitioner’s job satisfaction significantly improves the services and has a positive impact on the patient’s well-being. Health policymakers and managers need to critically analyze the importance of providing additional incentives. In order to improve the job satisfaction of primary health care workers, in addition to salary, special emphasis should be placed on supporting family life, creating decent living conditions, adequate free time, educational prospects, and better opportunities for professional development and promotion.