The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of social capital perceived by members of medical institutions on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and customer orientation, and to analyze the mediating roles of job satisfaction and or...
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of social capital perceived by members of medical institutions on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and customer orientation, and to analyze the mediating roles of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in the relationship between social capital and customer orientation.
To achieve this objective, a research model was developed based on an extensive review of relevant domestic and international theories and prior studies. An empirical analysis was conducted using survey data collected from administrative staff, medical administration personnel, nurses, and medical technicians working at 11 general hospitals located in the Busan metropolitan area. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS and AMOS programs, and the major findings are summarized as follows.
The descriptive statistical analysis indicated that the mean values of the main variables were above the average level: social capital (3.60), job satisfaction (3.76), organizational commitment (3.65), and customer orientation (3.85). The results of hypothesis testing revealed several statistically significant relationships.
First, social capital had a positive effect on job satisfaction (β = .468, p < .001). This result suggests that strong trust and reciprocal networks established within the organization function as psychological and relational resources that provide employees with a sense of stability and reduce uncertainty, thereby enhancing job satisfaction.
Second, social capital had a positive effect on organizational commitment (β = .241, p < .001). This finding indicates that social capital strengthens employees’ sense of belonging and emotional attachment to the organization, fostering mutual obligations and increasing organizational commitment and intention to remain.
Third, social capital exerted a positive effect on customer orientation (β = .272, p < .001). This result implies that social capital contributes to the formation of a service-oriented organizational culture and shared norms, which employees internalize and translate into positive customer-oriented behaviors.
Fourth, job satisfaction had a positive effect on customer orientation (β = .172, p < .001), indicating that employees who are more satisfied with their jobs tend to demonstrate greater concern for customers and prioritize customer needs in their work behaviors.
Fifth, organizational commitment had a positive effect on customer orientation (β = .451, p < .001). This suggests that employees with higher levels of organizational commitment are more likely to exhibit customer-focused attitudes and behaviors in their job performance.
Sixth, the mediating effect analysis revealed that both job satisfaction (β = .064) and organizational commitment (β = .095) partially mediated the relationship between social capital and customer orientation.
Based on these findings, several policy implications were proposed. First, to strengthen social capital among members of medical institutions, it is necessary to ensure fairness and transparency in organizational management, establish emotional and psychological support systems, clarify and standardize work procedures and regulations, and promote interdepartmental cooperation and communication. Second, to enhance job satisfaction, medical institutions should provide fair and appropriate compensation based on performance and ensure job assignments aligned with employees’ abilities and aptitudes. Third, to improve organizational commitment, organizational-level emotional recognition, psychological support systems, expanded opportunities for employee participation, and long-term employment systems that enhance job security are required. Finally, to promote customer orientation, medical institutions should establish customer-centered management and evaluation systems, systematize education and training programs to enhance customer-oriented competencies, and implement organization-wide customer relationship management systems.