|
A case study of factors influencing employment satisfaction
in a Thai life sciences research institute
Anchalee Nirachanon and Duncan R. Smith*
Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University,
Salaya Campus, 25/25 Phuttamontol Sai 4, Salaya, Nakorn
Pathom, Thailand 73170.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
duncan_r_smith@hotmail.com. Tel: (662) 800 3624. Fax:
(662) 441-9906.
Accepted 3 June, 2010 |
|
The objective of this study was to find the level of
employment satisfaction in a life sciences research
institute staffed by a mix of academic and non-academic
staff. Both academic and non-academic staff members were
included in the survey. The study population comprised 121
employees at the Institute of Science and Technology for
Research and Development, Mahidol University. The instrument
for gathering data was in the form of a questionnaire
consisting of 27 questions as well as 5 basic demographic
questions determining sex, age, level of education, rate of
salary and working duration. Employment satisfaction was
measured on a five point scale in terms of career
progression, employment stability, job characteristic,
relationship with colleagues, relationship to immediate
supervisor and the physical work environment. Data was
analyzed in both univariate and multivariate analyses. From
the 121 questionnaires given out, 105 completed
questionnaires were returned (86.78%). The majority of the
study population was female, and aged between 31 -40 years
old. In terms of education, the majority of respondents had
a Bachelor’s degree, earned between 10,001 - 20,000 Baht and
had been employed for between 11 and 20 years. Overall, it
was determined that the level of satisfaction was moderate,
with relationship with colleagues showing the highest level
of satisfaction and career progression the lowest. In
particular longer serving staff were more likely to feel
that they were underserved in the provision of short,
professional training sources. This is the first analysis of
staff in a research Institute in a developing country.
Although relatively simple in format, it may have
application in other developing and under-developed
countries as a quick and simple screening tool to determine
the well being of the employees in research institutes.
Key words:
Biotechnology, questionnaire, support staff, research,
Thailand. |
