A survey of attitudes toward two motivating factors

A survey was conducted to determine the attitudes clinical laboratory workers in Utah had toward two intrinsic aspects of work, challenge or appeal of work and self-fulfillment. Questionnaires were distributed to all major hospitals in Utah. Frequency distributions were obtained and Chisquare tests were performed to determine if significant differences existed in relationship to demographic variables. Respondents indicated that work was interesting, challenging, required thinking, and enabled them to make good use of past training, skills, and abilities. Findings showed they also responded positively to statements involving ample responsibility given for the position held, contribution to patient care, enjoyment of work, and feeling of self-importance. Negative attitudes were noted toward statements dealing with advancement in medical technology, adequate opportunities for continuing education at employer expense, and participation in decision making. The Chi-square test revealed workers in the hospitals surveyed differed significantly in their opinions about having adequate opportunities to attend workshops, etc., on employer time and expense, and also that personnel with varying educational levels felt significantly different about making suggestions concerning the laboratory.