Keywords

swine production, biosecurity, motivation, theory of planned behavior model, job demands-resources model

Abstract

This study is a novel application of I/O Psychology principles to the U.S. swine industry. The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) recently identified caretaker motivation related to compliance with biosecurity behaviors as a priority needing to be better understood. This exploratory study seeks to identify if there is indeed a worker motivation issue within the industry that is impacting compliance with biosecurity, and if so, establish both a baseline of motivation and a better understanding of the primary influencing factors. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Job Demands/Resources Model of Burnout as a framework, an online survey was developed using items, adapted or in original form, from previous research and established measures. A total of 139 caretakers from five pork production companies participated in the survey and form the study's sample population. Results suggest the swine industry's problem with biosecurity compliance is not a motivationally driven issue, but findings were unable to provide evidence supporting a conclusive determination. Results for attitude (TPB) and job resources (JD-R) suggest further investigation into the rewards, supervisor support, and performance feedback categories of job resources could be promising avenues for continuing to explore what drives biosecurity non-compliance. Valuable insight was obtained about the swine industry and the caretaker role, and results are promising for improving quality of data collected as the research continues applying I/O theories and models to the swine industry for the purpose of investigating worker resources and attitudes. Continuing this research will help one of the largest industries in the United States to better understand the interactions and motivations behind worker attitudes and perceptions towards biosecurity adherence and to enhance positive outcomes for employees, farms, and consumers.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Chetta, Michael

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Program

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028356

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0028356

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

May 2024

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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