Linking resident satisfaction to staff perceptions of the work environment in assisted living: A multilevel analysis

    Authors

    E. Sikorska-Simmons

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Gerontologist

    Keywords

    resident satisfaction; work environment; staff work-related attitudes; quality of care; LONG-TERM-CARE; NURSING-HOME; ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT; CONSUMER; SATISFACTION; CUSTOMER SATISFACTION; PATIENT SATISFACTION; QUALITY; FACILITIES; ATTITUDES; CULTURE; Gerontology

    Abstract

    Purpose: This study examines the relationship between resident satisfaction and staff perceptions of the work environment in assisted living. Staff perceptions were assessed at the facility level, using aggregate measures of staff job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and views of organizational culture. Design and Methods: The sample included 335 residents and 298 staff members in 43 assisted living facilities. Data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. Two-level hierarchical linear models were used to test the hypotheses. With resident age, gender, and education controlled for, the relationships between resident satisfaction (Level 1 variable) and staff perceptions of the work environment (Level 2 variables) were assessed. Results: Greater resident satisfaction in the facility was associated with higher staff job satisfaction and more positive staff views of organizational culture (e.g., greater teamwork and participation in the decision making). From resident characteristics, only education was significantly related to satisfaction. More educated residents were less satisfied with assisted living. Implications: These findings suggest that a good quality of work environment for the staff contributes to a better quality of care for the residents. More research is needed to examine the causal nature of this relationship.

    Journal Title

    Gerontologist

    Volume

    46

    Issue/Number

    5

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article; Proceedings Paper

    Language

    English

    First Page

    590

    Last Page

    598

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000241530400004

    ISSN

    0016-9013

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