UNDERSTANDING JOB SATISFACTION IN LABOUR-INTENSIVE PLANTATION WORK: EVIDENCE FROM KELANTAN, MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7si4.1629Keywords:
job satisfaction, plantation workers, compensation, supervision support, working environment, social exchange theoryAbstract
Job satisfaction is a critical factor for organisations as it influences employee performance, commitment, and overall organisational effectiveness. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the influence of compensation, supervision support, and the working environment on job satisfaction among plantation workers. A research framework was developed based on relevant literature to examine the relationships among the selected variables. Social Exchange Theory was employed as the underpinning theory to explain how organisational practices shape employees’ attitudes towards their jobs. To empirically test the proposed framework, data were collected using a structured questionnaire survey. A total of 302 respondents from 12 estates in Kelantan were selected through systematic sampling. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicate that compensation and the working environment have a significant influence on job satisfaction. In contrast, supervision support was found to have no significant effect on job satisfaction. The results of this study provide valuable insights for management, highlighting the importance of offering fair compensation and maintaining a conducive working environment in order to enhance job satisfaction among plantation workers. Although supervision support did not show a significant direct effect, however it should not be overlooked, supervision support remains important in implementing organisational policies, improving communication, and ensuring a harmonious workplace, which may indirectly contribute to employees’ job satisfaction.
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