Job motivation factors: a case study of an Iranian Medical University

Mohammad Amin Bahrami^1*, Mohammad Ranjbar Ezzatabadi², Elham Jamali³, Arefeh Dehghani Tafti⁴, Gholamreza Ahmadi Tehrani⁵ and Samaneh Entezarian Ardakani⁶

¹Healthcare management, Assistant professor, Dept. of healthcare management, Public health faculty, Shahid Sadoughi university of medical sciences, Imam Hossein sq. Yazd, Iran,

² Health policy, Tehran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran,

³Healthcare management, Shahid Sadoughi university of medical sciences, Yazd, Iran,

⁴Biostatistics, Isfahan university of medical university, Isfahan, Iran ,

⁵Healthcare management, Shahid Sadoughi university of medical sciences, Yazd, Iran,

 ⁶Healthcare management, Shahid Sadoughi university of medical sciences, Yazd, Iran

*Corresponding Author's Email: aminbahrami1359@gmail.com

Accepted 29 October 2012

Abstract

The academic staff have a major role in achieving educational objectives. Therefore, their motivation and satisfaction is a crucial factor for the higher education achievements. This paper discusses the results of a job motivation and satisfaction factors survey in an Iranian medical university.  A questionnaire-based study was conducted in 290 people (includes 77 faculty members and 213 administrative and technical staff) who work in Shahid Sadoughi university of medical sciences. Data were collected using the Lawrence Lindhal valid questionnaire. Data analysis was done trough SPSS₁₃. Research findings indicated that job security and appreciate the work (appreciation) were ranked as the most and the least powerful motivator of faculty members. Also, enough salaries and benefits (monetary motivator) and having the interesting (exciting) work were the most and least important motivation factors for staff, respectively. Faculty members and staff had the highest and lowest satisfaction level from motivational factors entitled having the interesting (exciting) work and job promotion opportunity (professional development and career advancement).  The findings from this research should heighten sensitivity regarding the important issues such as job security, monetary motivation and job enrichment opportunities that need to be addressed to promote motivation and job satisfaction of academicians.

Keywords: Job Motivation, Job satisfaction, University, Iran