The purposes of this study were to explore the role of professional identity as mediating variable in the relationship between job- and organization- related factors and job satisfaction. This study evaluate a) the professional identity, the job satis...
The purposes of this study were to explore the role of professional identity as mediating variable in the relationship between job- and organization- related factors and job satisfaction. This study evaluate a) the professional identity, the job satisfaction, and job- and organization- related factors depending on social workers' demographic and professional information, b) the relationships between the professional identity and the personal factors related with job and organization, c) the relationships between the job satisfaction and the personal factors related with job and organization, and d) mediating role of the professional identity in the relationship between the job satisfaction and the personal factors related with job and organization.
This study surveyed social workers who worked at 24 senior welfare facilities in Daegu·Gyeongbuk province from Aug. 1. to Aug.30. 2006. A total of 137 questionnaires were collected using on-site survey (response rate 76.7%). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 12.0 for Windows. Descriptive analysis was performed on all measurement items. In addition, frequency analysis was performed to determine overall characteristics of students and their attitudes. The reliability of statements measuring attitudes was acceptable since the coefficient alphas were > .70. T-test and ANOVA were conducted to test the hypotheses. This study conducted hierarchical regression analysis to test the mediating effect of professional identity. The level of statistical significance was p < .05.
The results of this study were summarized as follows;
First, several professional and demographic background variables, such as duration of employment, religion, and position in an organization, were identified to influence on the level of perception in the factors related to job and organization, professional identity, and job satisfaction. Respondents who had employed for longer periods have lower level of perception toward colleagues and inner-relationships within organizations than respondents who had employed for shorter periods. Also, respondents who had higher position in an organization exposed to highly perceive toward promotion opportunity and feeling of responsibility. Respondents showed the most favorable perception in inner-relationship within organization at job satisfaction construct and feeling of responsibility at professional identity construct. In addition, they highly perceived about amounts of duties at job-related factor and colleagues at organization-related factor.
Second, the self-regulating at job-related factor and the social support at organization-related factor were the most important variables to influence on professional identity of social workers who working on senior welfare facilities. Also, the self-regulating at job-related factor, social support and the promotion at organization-related factor did significantly affect job satisfaction of social workers who working on senior welfare facilities.
Third, results of hierarchical regression showed that professional identity was verified as a partial mediator in the relationship between factors related with job and organization and job satisfaction.
As the population ages, there will be an increasing need for professional social workers effectively to work with and help care for the elderly. This study highlighted that job- and organization- related factors, namely self-regulations and social supports, are significantly related with job satisfaction of social workers. Especially, such effect was more significantly apparent in high professional identity which is playing a partial mediator. This result implies that there is potential to change work environments of social workers ensuring a delegation of power and responsibility. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve the promotion system and connect social worker as servant with community through diverse service learning programs.