Title: Leading factors in job satisfaction of Chinese seafarers

Authors: Kevin X. Li; Jingbo Yin; Meifeng Luo; Jin Wang

Addresses: Department of International Logistics, College of Business & Economics, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heuk Seok-Dong, Dong jak-Gu, Seoul, Korea ' Department of International Shipping, State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan RD. Minhang District, Shanghai, China ' Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong ' Liverpool Logistics, Offshore and Marine LOOM Research Institute, School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations, Liverpool John Moores University, Hatton Garden, Liverpool L3 2AJ, UK

Abstract: One needs special skills and training to become a seafarer. Seafarers are unique and the most important human resources for the shipping industry. As a major seafarer supply nation, China has to improve quality and increase retention rate to achieve sustainable development for its shipping industry. This paper is to investigate the main factors that contribute to job satisfaction of Chinese seafarer, which factor has a significant bearing on the retention rate in the seafaring profession. The data used in this study was collected through questionnaires, and a structural equation modelling (SEM) method is used to test and estimate causal relations by using a combination of statistical data and qualitative causal assumptions. The results show that the promotion is the most significant factor in job satisfaction, followed by salary and benefits, working environment and feeling of status. This paper further examines relevant measures that can be taken at both national and management levels to increase the retention rate of seafarers. The study provides a scientific basis for policy-making in national maritime education and training, and ship and crew management.

Keywords: Chinese seafarers; Chinese seamen; China; job satisfaction; structural equation modelling; SEM; promotion; shipping industry; sustainable development; sustainability; retention rate; salaries; benefits; working environment; status.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2014.064923

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2014 Vol.6 No.6, pp.680 - 693

Accepted: 29 Oct 2013
Published online: 27 Sep 2014 *

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