The Relationship between Perceived Bureaucratic Orientation and Job Satisfaction among Nurses in The Healthcare System Iligan City, Philippines

Abstract

Introduction: Prior studies reveal that job satisfaction among nurses has become a growing global concern, revealing varied levels of satisfaction across different countries. Little is known about the role of bureaucratic orientation influencing job satisfaction in the Philippine context. This study investigated the relationship between bureaucratic orientation and job satisfaction among nurses in a hospital in the Philippines.

Material and Methods: Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 102 registered nurses through structured questionnaires. The study analyzed nurses' perceptions of hospital bureaucratic orientation and job satisfaction using normality tests (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk). Due to non-normal variable distribution, Kendall-Tau correlation was applied to assess the relationship between bureaucratic orientation and job satisfaction

Results: Nurses perceived bureaucratic orientation as leaning towards administrative control, with management having primary control over practice, personnel, and resources. The study found a positive significant correlation between administrative control over practice and appropriate support from superiors and with a pleasant working environment. However, administrative control over resources and personnel negatively correlated with nurses' emotions towards work. Greater management participation in committee structures was also negatively associated with nurses' emotional fulfillment and perceived workplace significance.

Conclusion: These results highlight the need for participatory management practices enhancing job satisfaction among nurses. The findings of this study can inform hospital administrators and nurses’ additional insight, especially in a Philippine healthcare setting on how they can collaboratively support each other to improve nursing practice.