Predictors of job satisfaction amongst pharmacists in Malaysian public hospitals and healthcare clinics

Abstract

Background: For the past 10 years, the pharmacist workforce in Malaysia has experienced radical changes in demography, job scope and expectations as well as remuneration due to a drastic surge in the number of pharmacists employed in the public sector. Aim: To investigate the level of job satisfaction amongst pharmacists working in the public sector in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst registered pharmacists working in three of the most populated states in Malaysia. A validated questionnaire consisting of three sections was used to investigate intrinsic and extrinsic factors of job satisfaction and their overall job satisfaction. Results: Analysis of responses from 161 pharmacists revealed significant differences in job satisfaction with age and length of service. Pharmacists within the age group of 35-45 years were more satisfied with their jobs than younger pharmacists. Findings also showed that pharmacists who had been working for more than 7 years tended to be more satisfied with their jobs. Type of institution, position held and gender did not appear to influence job satisfaction. Intrinsic factors such as autonomy, contribution, creativity and challenge had significant impact on job satisfaction; creativity had the strongest impact as compared with other factors. Extrinsic factors such as salary, supervision feedback and job atmosphere also had significant impact on job satisfaction. Conclusion: Only 52% of the pharmacists who responded were satisfied with their current jobs. The study outcomes indicate the major factors that affect pharmacists' job satisfaction. Factors affecting job satisfaction could be used by policy makers and pharmacy managers to design retention strategies.

Job satisfaction and stress levels among community pharmacists in Malaysia

“…In the present study, age and years of experience in practicing community pharmacy had a positive effect on stress levels. Similarly, a study by Manan et al . among Malaysian pharmacists working in the public sector also found significant differences in job satisfaction with age and length of service.…”

“…In the present study, age and years of experience in practicing community pharmacy had a positive effect on stress levels. Similarly, a study by Manan et al 18 among Malaysian pharmacists working in the public sector also found significant differences in job satisfaction with age and length of service. In the present study, pharmacists aged between 25 and 44 years and having <15 years experience tended to have higher stress than pharmacists who were aged ≥55 years with >20 years work experience.…”

“…However, there have been limited studies published regarding job satisfaction and job stress among community pharmacists in Malaysia. Recent studies have mostly focused on pharmacists in the public sector only . A study conducted in 2004 found that most pharmacists in Malaysia appeared to have moderate job satisfaction that was affected by income, age and job position .…”

“…Recent studies have mostly focused on pharmacists in the public sector only. 10,18 A study conducted in 2004 found that most pharmacists in Malaysia appeared to have moderate job satisfaction that was affected by income, age and job position. 12 However, many pharmacy-related issues have arisen since then that may affect current job satisfaction and job stress.…”

Perceived motivators, training supports and challenges to career advancement among pharmacists in the Malaysian public healthcare system

“…While pharmacists become increasingly important as part of the healthcare system globally, performance‐based remuneration and rewards have been identified as a major motivator in their careers . The utilization of pharmacists’ clinical knowledge and skills, flexible job descriptions and due recognition for their good work performance were also shown to have a positive impact on their job satisfaction . On the other hand, inadequate job‐related training was consistently perceived by pharmacists as one of the major challenges to their career advancement …”