Open AccessPerceived Motivational Factors Among Allied Health Managers and Subordinates
Author(s) -
Sandra B. Dunbar
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
the internet journal of allied health sciences and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1540-580X
DOI - 10.46743/1540-580x/2003.1003
Subject(s) - psychology , maslow's hierarchy of needs , job security , sample (material) , salary , perception , health care , applied psychology , work (physics) , exploratory research , social psychology , mechanical engineering , chemistry , chromatography , neuroscience , sociology , political science , law , anthropology , engineering , economics , economic growth
This exploratory study sought to assess the differences in perceptions among allied health managers and subordinates regarding motivation in the workplace due to a paucity of literature in this area. With an increased demand for higher productivity, an ever-changing health care system and managed care restrictions, it is also important to understand what may motivate individuals who are functioning within different work environments than in the past. The hygiene and motivator factors from Herzberg’s two factor theory created the independent variables which overlap with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs descriptions. These included Basic (job security, salary etc.), Safety (work conditions, pension), Ego-Status (opportunity for status improvement), and Actualization-Self-Expression (opportunities for freedom and experimentation. Participants included a random and convenience sample of physical and occupational therapists. Data was collected using work motivation inventories. Results from the t-test and ANOVA procedures consistently showed no statistical differences among allied health managers and subordinates regarding their perceptions of what motivates the employee in the workplace. Motivator factor issues were identified as constraints to work motivation more than hygiene factors. The convenience sample identified Categories D and E more frequently as constraint categories (Sig. at.10 level). Clearly, additional research is needed in this area.