The Catalytic Influence of Government Support on Job Satisfaction of Physicians

Abstract

Purpose - This study aims to provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by medical doctors/physicians in Pakistan, particularly concerning socio-economic crises such as high inflation and unemployment, lengthy and continuous working conditions, and limited job opportunities. Recognizing the importance of addressing these issues is imperative for maintaining a resilient healthcare system in the country.

Study Design/Methodology/Approach-Based on Public choice theory and principal-agent theory, we aim to achieve our objectives by employing ordered logit and ordered probit modeling techniques on data collected through surveys conducted from 2020 to 2023. Our focus was on investigating the causal relationship of government support on enhancing the satisfaction levels of physicians. We carefully selected a pool of participants to ensure the relevance and representativeness of the findings. The sample size was determined through a systematic approach, employing both random and stratified sampling techniques, and cleaned data on 98 out of 148 participants were retained for analysis. In terms of selection criteria, participants were chosen based on specific qualifications deemed pertinent to the research objectives. Data collection methods, such as online interviews and questionnaires, were employed with careful consideration of their appropriateness for the research context.

Findings - The main finding of our study indicates a significant role of government support in improving the satisfaction of physicians in Pakistan. Research Implications: Our research implies that the government can be a catalyst for positive change in the medical sector by addressing the identified systemic issues for doctors. Policies focusing on fair compensation and anti-corruption measures can substantially contribute to the overall satisfaction and retention of physicians in Pakistan.

Research Limitations- The limitations of this study are generalizability due to sample selection; Online methods may introduce response bias and causation inference limitations in government support impact.

Originality/Novelty-Unlike previous research works, our research distinctly focuses on the interplay of financial pressures, suboptimal working conditions, and limited job opportunities within the unique context of the Pakistani healthcare system in the current scenario. One notable aspect of novelty lies in our exploration of the potentially transformative impact of government support on physician satisfaction.