INVESTIGATION OF JOB SATISFACTION AMONG PHARMACISTS IN IAȘI COUNTY, ROMANIA: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22551/MSJ.2025.04.17Abstract
Aim: Assessment of pharmacists’ satisfaction with employers, working conditions, productivity, and their level of engagement in organizational activities. Materials and methods: The questionnaire, designed by academic staff of the Faculty of Pharmacy in collaboration with practicing pharmacists and pharmacy managers, comprised 23 questions with either open-ended or pre-formulated responses. It was completed by licensed pharmacists employed at various pharmaceutical units, both in public institutions and private ones, in Iași County. The questionnaire was administered online via a digital survey platform and in printed form to facilitate completion by pharmacists. Results: According to the obtained data, we found that the degree of agreement of the respondents regarding the level of job satisfaction is quite high (over 80%). A good communication in the pharmacy was indicated by 83.3% of the respondents, but 46% of the pharmacists consider that they are not remunerated at the desired level for the additional work performed, which may put the organization at risk in terms of workforce. Only 40% of respondents are satisfied with their choice of the pharmacist profession, which reflects the fact that there may be improvements regarding the possibility of increasing job satisfaction. Conclusions: Effective managerial communication is crucial for optimizing organizational structures and processes, adapting to dynamic markets and employee needs, and an annual internal communication audit could significantly enhance engagement and satisfaction within pharmaceutical units.
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