Title: Job design and the psychological status of Taiwanese pharmacists on job outcomes: an application of the job characteristics model

Authors: Blossom Yen-Ju Lin, Ying-Chen Yeh, Wen-Hung Lin

Addresses: Institute of Health Service Administration, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh Shih Rd., Taichung, 404, Taiwan, ROC. ' Respiratory Therapy Division, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 160, Sec. 3, Chung-Kang Rd., Taichung, Taiwan, ROC. ' Taichung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, 199 San Min Rd., Sec. 1, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: For decades, job design and redesign have been viewed by the field of organisational behaviour as factors that influence employees| job psychological statuses and job outcomes. As such, this study thoroughly examines the job characteristics model (JCM) – including the constructs of core job characteristics, psychological statuses, individual growth needs and work outcomes – with regard to pharmacists, based on the theoretical framework of JCM. Two hundred ninety-eight pharmacists responded to mailed surveys. Applying structural equation modelling (SEM), the results partially verified JCM especially with respect to the pathway of job content – characterised as task variety, integrity and significance – to the experienced meaningfulness of work, as well as to their work outcomes, including higher internal work motivation, work performance quality, work satisfaction and reduced intentions/desires to quit. We anticipate that pharmacy managers could appropriately manipulate the job tasks of pharmacists, as well as to assist and identify possible adverse side effects derived from pharmacists| work climates, as a means to generate more favourable and effective work outcomes.

Keywords: job characteristics; job design; modelling; pharmacists; pharmacy management; job outcomes; psychological status; Taiwan; structural equation modelling; work motivation; work performance quality; work satisfaction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPP.2010.030608

International Journal of Public Policy, 2010 Vol.5 No.2/3, pp.272 - 289

Published online: 26 Dec 2009 *

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