The Relationships of Individual Well-Being and Working Environment with Job Satisfaction among Factory Workers in Malaysia

Abstract

The present study examined the factors influencing job satisfaction
in the context of factory workers in Malaysia. The major purpose of the
study was to identify the main problems faced by those factory workers. The
study also aimed to examine the influence of demographic variables on job
satisfaction and the relationships of family income, individual well-being, and
perceptions of the working environment with overall job satisfaction among
those factory workers. A survey was distributed among 551 factory workers working in the Klang Valley area. Results from the survey indicated that the
two main problems faced by the factory workers are, fear of the influx of
foreign workers that may threaten their jobs, and the relatively low pay, taking
into account the high cost of living in the Klang Valley. Findings also indicated
that while gender and race did not significantly influence perceptions of the
working environment and job satisfaction, job positions did. Those working as
security and logistics staff were significantly more satisfied with their working
environment than those holding administrative or technical/production posts.
Job satisfaction also varied significantly across job positions; those working in
security and logistic positions were significantly more satisfied with their jobs
compared to the other employees (administrative, managerial/professional, and
technical/production). Finally, using hierarchical linear regression, with family
income as the control variable, the findings suggested that both individual
well-being and perceptions of the working environment emerged as positive.
Both of these are significant predictors of perceived job satisfaction among
factory workers. The implication of these findings will be discussed within the
framework of organizational satisfaction and individual well-being.